The Oregon Caves National Monument is located in southwest Oregon and is situated in the Siskiyou Mountains. The mountain range is a coastal one that passes through the states of California and Oregon and extends for a hundred miles along the coast. The monument is most noted for its marble caves. The caves are small and narrow with winding passageways that appear to go on for miles. The marble caves are one of the nations' most diverse geological realm. As explorers walk through the caverns they learn about geology and underground life. The marble caves have a complex ecosystem that consists of many different creatures. Some of the animals and insect life that can be found in the cave include daddy longlegs, moths, bats, and even crickets.
The nearest city to the monument is Cave Junction. In order to get to the monument visitors are required to take a steep mountainous road with sharp curves. Oregon Caves National Monument covers 488 acres of land and is one of the smaller monuments in the state. The cave was discovered in 1874 by a local man named Elijah Davis. Once the attraction become popular, developers opened the caves to capitalize on Oregon tourism. Later in 1909, President William Howard Taft designated the caves a national monument. Initially, the monument was managed by the United States Forest Service but was later transferred to the National Park Service. The cave became an instant national attraction that drew thousands of visitors to the monument over the years.
Improper upkeep and natural wear created a rubbled mess on the interior of the marble caves. It was in the 1980's that the National Park Service decided to remove over a thousand tons of rubble from the cave in an effort to start restoration. Once all of the rubble was removed - archeologists and researchers discovered thousands of new formations that had been buried for years. All asphalt trails, cabins, and transformers that were located above the cave were demolished and removed in order to prevent oils or sewage from leaking down in to the marble caves.
Visitors can visit the caves by purchasing a ticket for a cave tour. The tours are arranged on a first-come, first-serve basis and arriving early to the monument is recommended in order to participate in a tour. The fee for a tour is $8.50 for adults and $5 for children. Discount rates are available for groups of twelve or more. There are annual and life time passes available that can be purchased for additional charges. During the tours, visitors are not allowed to touch any formations they see in the cave. The marble cave formations are easily breakable and can become discolored from the oils on human skin. During the winter, the cave tours are closed to the public.
Each year, almost a hundred thousand people attend Oregon Caves National Monument in order to view its history and scenic views. The landscape of the monument is rich in a variety of plants and animals. Wildflowers, amphibians, birds, and conifers have all made their home in the area.
