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Oregon Caves National Monument
Oregon Caves National Monument is located in the northern Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon. This national monument, spread in an area of 488 acre (1.97 km²), is well known for its spectacular marble caves. The park is included in the southeastern Josephine County and it was in 1909 that these caves were designated as the U.S. National Monument. At present, this Monument is managed by the National Park Service.
The marble cave in the Monument is approximately 3.5 miles (5.6km) long. This cave is home to the biggest assemblage of endemic cave- dwelling insects in the United States. It is also popular for the grizzly bear and the Pleistocene jaguar fossils that were recently found here. 90-minute cave tours are organized by the National Park Service for a minimal fee of $8.50.
The National Monument is situated at an elevation of 4000 ft (1,219 m) at the water head of the Illinois River. The Oregon Caves National Monument also features an old-growth coniferous forest. This forest is home to a wide variety of plants. It is known for its Douglas fir tree with the widest girth (13 ft in diameter). Another major feature of the park is the Chateau. It is historic lodge with all facilities for its visitors.
The region has a distinctive geology composed mainly of ocean crystal rocks called the ophiolite. Some parts of the park are rich in serpentine rock and unique soils that support large assemblages of endemic plants.
The four major historical buildings at the Monument are the Range Residence, the old Employee Dormitory, the Oregon Caves Chateau, and the Chalet. It is basically the cave’s discovery, stewardship, exploration, and the major historical structures that together describe the rich cultural history of the Oregon Caves National Monument.
- Address:
Oregon Caves Visitor Center, 19000 Caves Highway,
Cave Junction, OR 97523
- Telephone: (541) 592-2100 ext. 262
- Website: http://www.nps.gov/
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