Oregon Caves, Oregon
National Monument and Preserve · National Register of Historic Places · Hiking
We combined this 4 day/3 night road trip with Crater Lake National Park making the artsy, Shakespeare infused town of Ashland in Southern Oregon our home base for the first two nights and Crater Lake Lodge for the third night.
I had wanted to visit the Oregon Caves since I was kid. My grandparents offered to take me once but sadly for me my parents said no. I can still picture the blue beaded coin purse that my grandparents brought back for me from the gift shop and how I thought it was one of the coolest things I owned. Thirty years later and with two kids of my own, I was determined to give my family this must do Oregon experience! And did it live up to my expectations? Absolutely! If it were up to me I would make the Oregon Caves one of Oregon’s 7 Wonders. I mean what does a giant rock in the middle of the high desert have on this place?
So what makes this place so special? To start with the 15,000 feet of marble caves is a one-of-a-kind geological masterpiece. In fact, of nearly 4,000 cave systems managed by the National Park Service, there are only three that are marble caves including the Oregon Caves. The Oregon Caves is also home to the only underground river in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System and the biggest Douglas fir tree known to exist in Oregon. The Oregon Caves is rich in history with its own historic district and 1930’s era Chateau which is designated on the National Register of Historic Places. And do you remember playing with those classic red View-Masters when you were a kid? Well the Oregon Caves is where the idea was born!
Here’s why you should see this place:
The Caves
Stumbled upon in 1874 by a man who was chasing his dog who was chasing a bear, the “discovery” of the Oregon Caves is part horror movie and part silly sing along. Fortunately for Elijah Davidson, he found his dog and an otherworldly marble cave teaming with life and geological wonders. The caves were officially designated as the Oregon Caves National Monument in 1909 and have been welcoming visitors for well over 100 years.
The best way to see the caves is with a ranger guided tour which is usually available late March through early November. There are several options to choose from - we did the 90 minute Discovery Cave Tour which was excellent. First come first served tickets are available at the park but since long waits and sellouts can happen it’s best to reserve them in advance. The cave is cool - 44 degrees cool to be exact - even in the summer. So bring a warm jacket and close toed shoes. Also to protect the cave’s resident bats from white-nose syndrome, do not bring or wear anything that has been in any other cave, mine or bat habitat (the disease is devastating and park rangers will ask). Lockers are available to store your belongings during the cave tour.
The Chateau at the Oregon Caves
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, this 1930’s era lodge boasts a rustic cedar bark exterior, serpentine lunch counter in the retro coffee shop and hand crafted Monterey furniture throughout. A special nod is made to the birthplace of the View-Master (look for the commemorative Oregon Caves View-Master!). The Chateau at the Oregon Caves closed in October 2018 for extensive restorations and is expected to reopen sometime soon. For a National Park Service photo tour click here.
The River Styx
The only underground river in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System is here at the Oregon Caves! Deriving its name from Greek mythology where the earth and the underworld meet, the River Styx is a 0.4 mile underground segment of Cave Creek that flows through the heart of the cave.
The Big Tree Trail
This 3.3 mile loop through the beautiful Siskiyou forest leads to - wait for it - a big tree! It is the biggest Douglas fir tree by girth known to exist in Oregon. And between 600-800 years old, it is also one of the oldest. The Big Tree Trail has a 1,100 foot elevation gain so be prepared and plan for a 2-3 hour trek. In all, the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve has six hiking trails to be explored ranging from 0.7 miles to 9.2 miles.
Don’t miss these locavore treats:
The first Dutch Bros in Grant’s Pass, Oregon
With over 400 locations throughout the West, this largest privately held US drive-through coffee chain started right here in Grant’s Pass, Oregon! Let’s be real. Oregon is studded with as many coffee shops as there are stars in the sky. But I have yet to pass a Dutch Bros without a ridiculously long line of cars patiently waiting for some Dutch. The “bro-istas” here are ridiculously nice and exude such enthusiastic optimism that you want to have whatever they’re drinking.
Finding the first Dutch Bros. was admittedly a little tricky. Tripadvisor sent us to a trendy brick and mortar café - which seemed a little unusual for a drive-through chain. When I asked the “bro-istas” if this was the first Dutch Bros. they seemed a little confused then after some conferring sent us on to a nearby drive-up location. There the “bro-istas” were incredibly friendly and generous in offering to take our picture when we told them what we were after. I can’t even tell you the address of this location though because when I went back to look for it on Google Maps based on the coordinates of our photo, I couldn’t find it! But this is the same location for the “original Dutch Bros.” that shows up on the Wikipedia page, so I’m going to call it good. My recommendation is to go to the coordinates on our map and look for the drive-up in the nearby parking lot. It’s like geocaching for an invigorating caffeinated beverage - and what could be better than that?
The 2019 Moscato at Foris Vineyards, Cave Junction, Oregon
Oregon may be known for its Pinot noir, but I am all about the Moscato. And the Moscato from Foris Vineyards is divine! It is deliciously sweet with low alcohol, amazing aromatics and an explosion of indescribable yumminess on my very happy tongue (totally legit wine descriptions). We found this wine at our Portland area Costco after our trip to the Oregon Caves. So please - if you are lucky enough to stop by Foris Vineyards you must tell me all about it!
Plan your trip:
Oregon caves and crater Lake Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 - Portland to Ashland
285 miles/4.5 hours
Ashland is just one of those special places that always makes me wish I had just one more day to explore. Set in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges, natural beauty and outdoor adventure abound. But it’s Ashland’s culture and artsy vibe that for me makes this small Oregon town one of a kind. Ashland is perhaps most famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival which, trust me, even if you think you’re not a theatre fan you must try a show. There’s just something about watching Shakespeare in an Elizabethan Theatre beneath the stars on a warm summer night that is really special.
For more information about visiting Ashland, check out Travel Ashland and Travel Oregon.
Day 2 - Ashland - Oregon Caves - Ashland
90 miles/2 hours one way
There’s a little backtracking to get from Ashland to the Oregon Caves, so my advice is to start early and enjoy the ride. Once off of 1-5, the drive is rural and beautiful as you meander through Siskiyou forests. To break up the drive, consider stopping in Grant’s Pass for coffee at the first Dutch Bros. in the morning and at Foris Vineyards in Cave Junction in the afternoon. Head back to Ashland for dinner and a show or a relaxing walk around town.
Day 3 - Ashland to Crater Lake National Park
75 miles/1.5 hours
If you’ve booked a Crater Lake Boat Tour (which I highly recommend!) just know that it is going to take a lot longer than you think to drive to Crater Lake, check-in at the park, grab a to-go lunch at the Rim Village Café, drive to Cleetwood Cove Trail, stuff a sandwich in your face, make sure the kids have used the porta potties then run down a 1.1 mile trail to catch your boat. It will be worth it, I promise. But to prevent choking, swearing and mild palpitations give yourself plenty of time.
There are several lodging options within Crater Lake National Park but the historic Crater Lake Lodge is my favorite. The rooms may be lackluster but the view of Crater Lake is priceless. Plan to book your room a year in advance and be aware of seasonal park closures.
Day 4 - Crater Lake to Portland
230 miles/4 hours
Here’s the day you wish you had another day, mourn for all that you haven’t done and seen yet and promise to come back soon. The drive back to Portland is a straight shot once you hit I-5 in Eugene so you can take some time in the morning to drive the historic Scenic Rim Drive. This 33-mile drive boasts 30 overlooks with parking, five picnic areas, hiking and did I mention the views? There are several Visitor Centers in the park where gifts and mementos can be purchased. My favorite is the historic Sinnott Memorial Overlook near Crater Lake Lodge. The view here is stunning and the small interpretive center was just perfect for the kids.
And there you have it - an unforgettable trip to the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve and Crater Lake National Park. As always, be sure to check local resources for weather, road conditions and COVID-19 related closures when planning your trip. And don’t forget to post your photos to #lifelivedoregonstyle on Instagram. We’ll see you out there!
Thank you, Firefighters! We love you.
Wildfire burned through Southern Oregon during our trip to the Oregon Caves in the summer of 2018. Fires could be seen burning along the side of I-5 near Ashland. Near Cave Junction the Taylor Creek and Klondike Fires and Natchez fire all threatened rural communities who call the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest home. Fire crews from as far as Alaska risked their lives to protect local communities from being incinerated. As we drove the forested roads leading from I-5 to the Oregon Caves, homemade signs dotted the driveways of rural communities. “Thank you, Firefighters!” they read. “We love you.” Plumes of smoke were still visible on the horizon. But thanks to an army of courageous strangers, the residents of Cave Junction and their homes were safe.