One of the best things about the Beaver State is that we have so many diverse places to explore. From thick, lush forests, to sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, to vast stretches of desert landscape, Oregon pretty much has it all. When was the last time you took a peek inside one of the caves in the state? At Oregon Caves National Monument, you can explore the famous Marble Halls. It’s one of the most spectacular cave tours in Oregon. Take a look:
The Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve covers 4,554 acres in the Siskiyou Mountains of southeastern Oregon. The park offers hiking, camping, dining, and wildlife viewing, but one of its most popular features is the marble cave.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Facebook
The cave was first discovered in 1874, and in 1909 it was designated as the Oregon Caves National Monument by President Taft.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Facebook
You can take a tour to see it up close! Tours are led by friendly, knowledgeable park rangers.
Jason Towell/Google
Before you take a tour, make sure you’re up for the challenge. Exploring the cave requires you to bend and stoop as you navigate narrow, winding passages. You’ll also traverse more than 500 steps along the way.
Stefan Goldener/Google
The park offers four different tours.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Facebook Take the 90-minute Discovery Tour, the kid-centered Kids and Family Cave tour, the three-hour Off-Trail Cave Tour, or the 60-minute Candlelight Discovery Tour, shown here.
During your tour, you’ll see some of the incredible features of the cave, including these speleothem, which are often called “drapery.”
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Google
The various stalactites and stalagmites here were formed from acidic water dripping onto the marble walls of the cave over many years.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Google
The cave has an intricate system of passageways, which total 15,000 feet. During your tour, you’ll explore many of them, and will even walk through the Belly of the Whale!
management/Tripadvisor Cave tours are offered late March through early November. The schedule varies slightly throughout the season, so check the website to plan your trip.
Learn more about this unique place in Oregon on the Oregon Caves National Monument website, and check out its Facebook page. And be sure to take a look at 20 Oregon hidden gems that you also won’t want to miss.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Facebook
Jason Towell/Google
Stefan Goldener/Google
Take the 90-minute Discovery Tour, the kid-centered Kids and Family Cave tour, the three-hour Off-Trail Cave Tour, or the 60-minute Candlelight Discovery Tour, shown here.
Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve/Google
management/Tripadvisor
Cave tours are offered late March through early November. The schedule varies slightly throughout the season, so check the website to plan your trip.
Have you visited? Tell our readers about your tour in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oregon’s Hidden Gems October 19, 2022 William Suphan What are some of Oregon’s most breathtaking Natural hidden gems? For something truly out of this world, you’ve got to see Thor’s Well in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near Yachats. About an hour before high tide, this massive hole in the coastal rocks draws the ocean water in and it seems like it is being sucked into the center of the earth. As waves crash into it, water shoots into the air, creating a water show that rivals anything ever made by humans. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in the Painted Hills is like stepping into a work of art. The multicolored layers are simply stunning and the varied rock formations are so intriguing to behold. This is a place you won’t soon forget. What are some of Oregon’s best-kept natural secrets? Tamolitch Pool, hidden away in the achingly gorgeous old-growth forest surrounding the McKenzie River Trail, is something out of a fantasy book. Not only is the surrounding forest simply stunning, but this deep azure pool is mesmerizing and frequented by wildlife. It’s one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever see. Not far from here are two beautiful waterfalls, Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. Seeing these rushing falls casting rainbows in the air surrounded by the lush green forest is one of the most magical sights you’ll ever see. What are some of Oregon’s lesser-known State Parks? Catherine Creek State Park, in central Oregon near the I-84 is filled with Ponderosa pine trees, colorful wildflowers, and a wide selection of beautiful camping sites. It’s a wonder so few know about it since it’s so gorgeous and the camping areas are so well-maintained, but it’s possible you may have it all to yourself! As part of one of our curated road trips, LaPine State Park has some of the most breathtaking scenery. The peace and serenity you’ll find here will match the beauty of the place, and it’s wonderful for a relaxing day of fishing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oregon’s Hidden Gems
October 19, 2022
William Suphan
What are some of Oregon’s most breathtaking Natural hidden gems? For something truly out of this world, you’ve got to see Thor’s Well in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near Yachats. About an hour before high tide, this massive hole in the coastal rocks draws the ocean water in and it seems like it is being sucked into the center of the earth. As waves crash into it, water shoots into the air, creating a water show that rivals anything ever made by humans. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in the Painted Hills is like stepping into a work of art. The multicolored layers are simply stunning and the varied rock formations are so intriguing to behold. This is a place you won’t soon forget. What are some of Oregon’s best-kept natural secrets? Tamolitch Pool, hidden away in the achingly gorgeous old-growth forest surrounding the McKenzie River Trail, is something out of a fantasy book. Not only is the surrounding forest simply stunning, but this deep azure pool is mesmerizing and frequented by wildlife. It’s one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever see. Not far from here are two beautiful waterfalls, Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. Seeing these rushing falls casting rainbows in the air surrounded by the lush green forest is one of the most magical sights you’ll ever see. What are some of Oregon’s lesser-known State Parks? Catherine Creek State Park, in central Oregon near the I-84 is filled with Ponderosa pine trees, colorful wildflowers, and a wide selection of beautiful camping sites. It’s a wonder so few know about it since it’s so gorgeous and the camping areas are so well-maintained, but it’s possible you may have it all to yourself! As part of one of our curated road trips, LaPine State Park has some of the most breathtaking scenery. The peace and serenity you’ll find here will match the beauty of the place, and it’s wonderful for a relaxing day of fishing.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
For something truly out of this world, you’ve got to see Thor’s Well in the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area near Yachats. About an hour before high tide, this massive hole in the coastal rocks draws the ocean water in and it seems like it is being sucked into the center of the earth. As waves crash into it, water shoots into the air, creating a water show that rivals anything ever made by humans. The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in the Painted Hills is like stepping into a work of art. The multicolored layers are simply stunning and the varied rock formations are so intriguing to behold. This is a place you won’t soon forget.
What are some of Oregon’s best-kept natural secrets?
Tamolitch Pool, hidden away in the achingly gorgeous old-growth forest surrounding the McKenzie River Trail, is something out of a fantasy book. Not only is the surrounding forest simply stunning, but this deep azure pool is mesmerizing and frequented by wildlife. It’s one of the most picturesque places you’ll ever see. Not far from here are two beautiful waterfalls, Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls. Seeing these rushing falls casting rainbows in the air surrounded by the lush green forest is one of the most magical sights you’ll ever see.
What are some of Oregon’s lesser-known State Parks?
Catherine Creek State Park, in central Oregon near the I-84 is filled with Ponderosa pine trees, colorful wildflowers, and a wide selection of beautiful camping sites. It’s a wonder so few know about it since it’s so gorgeous and the camping areas are so well-maintained, but it’s possible you may have it all to yourself! As part of one of our curated road trips, LaPine State Park has some of the most breathtaking scenery. The peace and serenity you’ll find here will match the beauty of the place, and it’s wonderful for a relaxing day of fishing.
