Oregon Caves National Monument is small in size (about 480 acres), but rich in diversity. Above ground, the monument encompasses a remnant old-growth coniferous forest. It harbors a fantastic array of plants, including Douglas-fir tree with the widest known girth in Oregon. Above ground several trails lead through a remnant of old-growth coniferous forest. Trails for day hiking and nature study lie within the Monument. A few trails begin in the Monument, but connect with trails in the nearby National Forest, providing opportunities for backpacking. A picnicking facility also lies on site. Below ground is an active marble cave created by natural forces over hundreds of thousands of years in one of theworld’s most diverse geologic realms. An interagency Visitor Center is open in Cave Junction and provides general information on the cultural and historical significance of the site.
Oregon Caves National Monument is located in the heavily wooded Siskiyou Mountains of southwest Oregon. The climate of the region is strongly influenced by the ocean which contributes to relatively mild summers and winters, as well as 50 inches of rain per year. The elevation at the Visitor Center is 4,000 feet and resulting in comfortable summer temperatures and snowy winters.
Inside one of the caverns in Oregon Caves
The primary resources of Oregon Caves National Monument include: 3.5 miles of marble caverns, old growth forest and a historic lodge. The caverns contain one of the largest assemblages of endemic cave dwelling insects in the United States and, recently, it has gained notoriety for the Pleistocene aged jaguar and grizzly bear fossils found in some of the deeper chambers.
Nature & Science
Oregon Caves’ past and future are inseparably tied to its water. The underground water system in the cave has created more than 15,000 feet of known cave and is still continuing to create more cave today. The water enters the cave in two ways, from Upper Cave Creek and from water within the soils above. The water level in the cave changes throughout the year. Flows are higher during the spring runoff and lower in the late summer. The land environment above directly influences the cave environment below. Land use changes can bring about drastic effects to the cave’s water flow and aquatic ecosystem. Impacts and changes to the land such as fire suppression, altering of plant and animal species composition and watershed management can also affect the cave environment. The last major fire on the Monument was in 1650, with some smaller fires in 1775 and 1802. Fire has been suppressed in and around the Monument for over 100 years. This has changed the composition of the forest we see today.
Recreation
There are a number of trails around the Oregon Caves National Monument which present visitors with wonderful views of the monument area and the wildlife that surrounds it. Most of the trails weave in and out of the boundary of the monument and some even connect up with larger interstate hiking trail systems. These trails give hikers access to the Red Buttes Wilderness, Bigalow Lakes, Mt. Elijah and other areas. Hikers looking for overnight hikes can camp anywhere in the National Forest surrounding the monument.
Inside view of Oregon Caves
In The Area
The sixth tallest tree in the world is in Stout Grove, one of the most dramatic stand of redwood trees in this region. This is accessed by Howland Hill Drive, an unpaved road that meanders through trees as tall as a football field is long. Several trails can be found here including the Nickerson Ranch loop that follows Mill Creek through the forest. From here, it takes another hour of driving on the coast highway to reach the southern end of Redwood National Park.
The Base of a Redwood tree is incredible large
Crater Lake National Park
The clearest lake in the world and the deepest in the nation has many trails to explore. Boat tours take you around the lake during the summer months. The lake has a large population of rainbow trout and kokanee salmon and there is no license necessary to fish for them. Most people intent upon fishing take the first tour to Wizard Island and catch a later tour to return to the dock and their vehicle. There are a number of hiking trails around the lake and motorists can take the Rim Drive (closed in winter) to see wonderful views of the crystal clear lake.
Crater Lake Oregon
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Oregon Caves National Monument
19000 Caves Highway
Cave Junction, OR 97523
Phone: 541-592-2100 x232
Operating Hours & Seasons
Oregon Caves National Monument is open all year for hiking, snow shoeing and other similar outdoor activities. Access to the interior of Oregon Caves is only by guided tours. The cave tour schedule for the spring through fall of 2004 is as follows:
- Spring: March 19 – May 28: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tours given on the hour May 29 – June 18: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tours given on the Hour
- Summer: June 19 – Sept 6: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tours given every 15 minutes.
- Fall: Sept 7 – Oct 11: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Tours given on the hour. Oct 12 – Oct 25: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tours given every hour Oct 25 – 28 Nov: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Tours given every two hours (10, 12, 2, 4)
- Winter: Closed
Location
Oregon Caves National Monument is located at the end of Route 46 in southern Oregon. Visitors can access Route 46 via Cave Junction, which is about 90 minutes (57 miles) south of Grant’s Pass or one hour north of Crescent City on Route 199.
Weather/Climate
Summers at Oregon Caves are generally warm and sunny, with cool nights and occasional afternoon or evening thunderstorms. Winters are cold and wet. The temperature within the cave is a constant 41 degrees F, so warm clothing is recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the trail surface in the cave is uneven and slippery.
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