Travel Blog: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve

ORCA - Cave/Karst Systems

NPS Gallery *Images credited to NPS without any copyright symbol are public domain

The Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve offers visitors a deeper look into the earth; providing an experience that you would not typically get at a National Park. Here, you can have an immersive experience during a guided tour into the depths of the Oregon Caves within the Siskiyou Mountains. The Oregon Caves is a solution cave, meaning it is formed as underground water and naturally occurring acid passes through pores and cracks of the bedrock. The acidic water causes dripping formations to occur which make the walls appear to be decorated.

The “Marble Halls of Oregon” found within this cave system are what make this particular dwelling so fascinating. There are only a select few marble caves that exist in the world. The marble in the caves is formed by heat and pressure being applied to limestone, making this rare occurrence a truly spectacular site.

ORCA - Corkscrew Crawl Space on the Off-Trail Tour

NPS/Rob Parenti

If you are interested in visiting this rare wonder, there are a few different tours to choose from. The Discovery Cave Tour takes you on a 90-minute adventure through the cave, allowing you to experience the beauty within the walls. If you’re traveling with kids, there is a Kid and Family Tour that is perfect for groups. There is also a Candlelight Cave Tour, this is only offered once a day but allows you to see the cave in an entirely different perspective, elevating the experience. For those looking for something more adventurous, there is an Off--Trail Caving Tour offered. This requires experience as it is a very demanding cave tour, you will have to squeeze through narrow passageways using only your headlamp to see as you climb even deeper into the Siskiyou Mountains. Before visiting, take a look at what Oregon Caves has to offer and click here to book your tickets ahead of time.

If you are looking for an extended stay, there is much more to this national monument & preserve outside of the caves. There are 17 campsites to choose from and dining on-site. During your visit, you can hike through the old growth forests, which trail alongside many rivers and streams. Throughout your explorations, you may also have an opportunity to witness some local wildlife, such as deer, beaver, and bats. Click here to discover everything Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve has to offer and plan your visit today!

Travel Blog written by Sarah Desmarais
for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series
National Park Service - Workforce Management Fellow
in Partnership with Northwest Youth Corps