Experience the Magic of Oregon Caves National Monument
Established in 1909, Oregon Caves National Monument has drawn visitors to Southern Oregon for more than a century. Stretching over 15,000 feet underground, families and adventurists alike continue to tour its famous marble halls, showcasing glistening stalactites and stalagmites, subterranean wildlife, and historic relics and fossils. The fun continues above the ground, as the 5,400 acre monument offers panoramic hiking trails, expansive dark skies. and campgrounds during the summer months. Head to the Illinois Valley and plan a day of adventure at Oregon Caves National Monument
Cave Tours
Escape the summer heat and book a tour of the cave which stays a cool 47 degrees year round. Offering four different tours, you can choose your own adventure between a candlelit tour, kids and family tour, off-trail caving tour, and the popular Discovery Tour. During the 3 hour Off-trail Cave Tour, stray from beaten path while trained off-trail cavers teach you caving techniques and etiquette, and bring you face-to-face with the marble depths of Oregon Caves. Throughout the excursion, scramble over boulders, belly crawl, and negotiate tight squeezes with skilled cavers. For those with families, book the kid-centered Family Tour which adds an extra layer of excitement to the excursion and includes kid-friendly activities. Step back in time, and explore the caves like visitors did over 100 years ago along the Candlelit Cave Tour. During the 60 minute tour, carry your candle lantern and watch the dancing shadows and flickering light illuminate the stalactites and marble walls. After the tour, visit the Interpretive Center and learn more about the geology, history, and wildlife of the cave and take home something from their gift shop.
Take a Hike
With 6 different high elevation hiking trails, visitors can escape the valley’s summer heat while exploring the Siskiyou Mountains. For a quick jaunt with panoramic views, follow the .7-mile Cliff Nature Loop Trail after your cave tour. The trailhead, which begins at the cave’s exit passes mossy cliffs and lush forest and offers scenic viewpoints along the way. See the largest girthed Douglas Fir tree known to exist in Oregon along the 3-mile Big Tree Trail which guides you past mountain meadows and lush forest. Work up a sweet along the 9-mile Bigelow Lakes/ Mt Elijah Loop which climbs 2,390 feet to the summit. From the top, take in the sweeping views of Mt Shasta and Preston peak and enjoy summer wildflowers.
Camping
While visiting Oregon Caves, plan a camping getaway at Cave Creek Campground, the only campground within the National Monument. Located just 4 miles from the cave entrance, the campground offers a quiet retreat under old growth trees and soothing sounds from the creek. While the 17-site campground can’t accommodate large RVS, the sites are perfect for tent campers and vans. The first-come-first-served campground is $10/night or $5 with a senior or National Park pass Memorial Day- Labor Day. Other nearby campgrounds include Greyback Campground, Lake Selmac, KOA Journey, and Lone Mountain RV Resort.
Other Nearby Attractions
In addition to its marble halls, the Illinois Valley is home to emerald rivers, award-winning wineries, and is one of the most botanically diverse regions in the country. Nestled between the Klamath/Siskiyou Mountains and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this Southern Oregon river valley is steeped in history. It’s the birthplace of Oregon’s Gold Rush as well as the ancestral land of the Takelma People dating back thousands of years.
Experience first hand the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon by enjoying a swim in the Illinois River or a dip in Baby Foot Lake high up in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Learn about the area’s rich history at the Kerbyville Museum or Smoke Jumper Base Museum. Explore regional artwork at The Southern Oregon Guild and It’s a Burl Gallery. Get a taste of the valley by touring local wineries and vineyards or dropping by the Cave Junction Farmers Market every Friday from 4-7pm.
Take the kids on a thrilling zip-line adventure or trail ride at Out n About Treehouse, visit Big Cats World Park, or cool off at the new ADA Splash Pad and playground. Play a round of disc golf at Lake Selmac and Illinois River Forks State Park or golf at the Illinois Valley Golf Club. While exploring Cave Junction, plan a daytrip to the Jedediah Redwoods, located just 40 miles from Cave Junction and follow Redwood Highway to the coast.
Learn more about the Illinois Valley here and start planning your visit to Oregon Caves National Monument.
