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LOCAL RESIDENTS refer to them as
"The Caves" and the official National
Park Service name is the "Oregon
Caves National Monument." Poet Joaquin
Miller was so inspired he called
them "The Marble Hills of Oregon."
Those who have visited this phenomenon
of natural beauty agree in calling it one
of Nature's true works of art.
The city of Grants Pass, Oregon, located
on Interstate 5 is the gateway to the
caves and everything in the city informs
the visitor that the local citizenry is proud
of this monument. The sign of the "Caveman"
is everywhere, from the "Caveman
Bridge" which crosses the Rogue River
in the downtown section, leading the
traveler onto U.S. 199 and to the caves,
to the major industry of the town, Caveman
Campers, Inc.
To reach the monument from Grants
Pass, U.S. 199 leads to Cave Junction,
then the last 20 miles are by State 46 for
a total of just under 50 miles. For those
traveling the coast route, the same U.S.
199 leaves U.S. 101 at Crescent City,
California, providing a scenic drive
through tall timber. Cave Junction is just
12 miles from the California-Oregon
border. Easy driving conditions prevail
from either highway.
The monument is located at the 4000
foot level of 6400 foot Mount Elijah.
The last eight miles of State 46 climb
with continuous curves, although the
road is good, to the entrance of the caves
and the Chateau.
The mountain is named for Elijah
Davidson, who discovered the caves in
1874, while pursuing a bear. When his
dog chased the bear into the entrance,
Elijah made torches of pine splinters
and followed. I have not been able to
learn whether or not he got his bear.
Elijah told his friends of his find
and during the next few years the more
adventuresome of the local inhabitants
explored the caves, opening additional
passages. In 1887, Frank Nickerson, of
Kerby, Oregon, discovered four distinct
levels of floors and opened several
rooms and galleries which had been
blocked by stalactites.
OREGON'S
by Jim Woodard
A young couple (above)
kneel before the altar of
stalactites and stalagmites in
the underground Joaquin Miller
Chapel. The Chateau (right)
provides lodging and dining for
overnight visitors. Camping
facilities are available eight miles
from the caves.
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