Tuesday, we drove west about 200 miles to Oregon Caves National Monument up the mountain from Cave Junction, OR. Due to all the mountains in Oregon, there are no direct, east/west roads. This was a very scenic drive. The monument offers 90 minute ranger guided tours through this three mile long marble cave. You must be in good physical shape and over 42 inches tall to take this tour. There are over 500 steps and many places where you have to walk bent over to pass through the twisting, low narrow halls. The monument also has a charming lodge and restaurant. Built in 1934, the Chateau is a National Historic Landmark.
We have been through many caves, but this marble cave was exceptionally beautiful and highly active due to abundant moisture. At the end of the cave tour, we exited more than 200 feet above the entrance. We took this opportunity to take the long way back to the visitor center via the Overlook Trail. This was a quiet forest trail through the lush vegetation, tall trees and flowering rhododendrons. From the top we had exceptional views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
1 comment:
I am way over 42 inches tall, so I'm good to go!! That sounds like an interesting place to visit. We definitely need to get up to Oregon for a summer...
Mark
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