Hiking Trails at Oregon Caves

Hikers enjoying Old Growth Trail.

NPS/ Rob Parenti

There are six hiking trails with wonderful views of Oregon Caves National Monument and the Siskiyou Mountains that surround it. Most of the trails weave in and out of the boundary of the Monument and Preserve.

Cliff Nature Trail

Distance (from the cave exit): 0.7 mile (1.1 km)
Estimated Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 75 feet (23 m)
Trailhead: Cave exit

Distance (from Visitor Center): 1 mile (1.6 km)
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 371 feet (113 m)
Trailhead: Visitor Center

Walk over marble outcrops, through shaded forest, and enjoy panoramic views of the Illinois Valley.

Big Tree Trail

Distance: 3.3 miles (5.3 km) loop, 1.3 miles (2.1 km) to Big Tree
Estimated Time: 3 hours (loop), 2.5 hours (Big Tree and back)
Elevation Gain: 1,125 feet (343 m)
Trailhead: Visitor Center

A great afternoon hike, a steep climb takes you through mountain meadows and forests, past the widest-girthed Douglas-fir tree known to exist in Oregon.

Old Growth Trail

Distance: 1 mile (1.6 km) loop
Estimated Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Elevation Gain: 200 feet (60 m)
Trailhead: Visitor Center

This historic trail, connecting the Visitor Center to the main parking lot, gradually climbs past oak trees, over marble outcrops, and through old growth forest.

No Name Trail

Distance: 1.3 miles (2.1 km)
Estimated Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 268 feet (82m)
Trailhead: Chateau parking lot

Short but steep, you'll encounter streams, mossy cliffs, and dense forests. Walk underneath the covered bridge along Cave Creek. Two short trails lead to two waterfalls on No Name Creek.

Cave Creek Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles (5.8 km) round trip
Estimated Time: 2 to 4 hours (round trip)
Elevation Gain: 1,245 feet (379 m)
Trailhead: Chateau parking lot

Wind your way down the mountain to the Cave Creek Campground. Enjoy the dense forest, splashing streams, and rock outcrops.

Note: For a 1 to 2 hour hike, consider arranging a ride to pick you up at the campground.

Bigelow Lakes – Mt. Elijah Loop Trail

Distance: 9.2 miles (14.8 km) loop; 8 miles (12.8 km) to Mt. Elijah and back
Estimated Time: 5 to 7 hours depending on route
Elevation Gain: 2,390 feet (728 m)
Trailhead: Visitor Center, follow Big Tree Trail

This full-day hike to the summit of 6,390 foot (1,948 m) Mt. Elijah takes you past meadows and lakes. Clear days offer views of Mt. Shasta and Preston Peak.