Oregon Caves National Monument

This cave system supports an interesting geologic history.

The interest lies in the bizzare formations of calcite to the the evolutionary process of plate tectonics making this unique place what it is today.

Through a series of tectonic plate upheavals between the Continental plate and the Pacific plate actions created an ocean basin.

First the remains of seacreatures formed a mud, this mud then turned to limestone.

During subsequent geological upheavals this limestone was cooked by molten rock created by tectonic plate action.

Once cooled the limestone was transformed into marble.

It was later that the earth decided to uplift this decimated ocean basin to form a mountain.

As acidfied groundwater found its way through cracks in the marble. The groundwater then began to dissolve the marble and widening the caverns.

Due to surface erosion the caves were exposed to surface air and the water table began to drop.

The drop in waterlevel opened large caverns, like the ones you see currently.

Today as mineralized groundwater continues seeping into the caverns a chemical process takes place. The water loses its acidic nature and the minerals that had been dissolved begin to precipitate creating the formations you see today.

Here you will find moonmilk, cave pearls, rimstone dams, blue marble, stalagmites, stalagtites, soda straws,fossils, a faultline, serpentine geologic formations.

As you enter the caves system you are instantly transported to another world.

What could be described a voyage into uncharted territory. Onward heave.

All were reminded frequently not to touch any of the calcite formations as they begin peeking out around every corner.

Many of the formations have weathered serious destruction by the curious onlooker.

Candle light was first used to illuminate the caves & are used for special tours.

Through serious effort the caves are returning to a more natural state.

The forces of nature certainly work in wierd ways.

Many of the formations are several thousand years old & boast names like "Grand Column", "Angel Falls", "Bannana Grove?", "Miller's Chapel & "Paradise Lost".

I suspect that if I was around that long I would look pretty bizarre.

At times the guides will light Angel Falls with a black light as pictured!

As the tour ends all are treated to a great farewell by passing under a great blue marble archway overlooking the Siskyous.

Photo credits: (all photos vandegraeff, all rights reservied.

This cave system was discovered in 1874 by Elijah Davidson (Pictured Right), a local hunter, whose dog chased a bear into one of the caves entrances.

By the 1890's the caves fell into the grasp of private developers who opened the caves to tourism.

In 1909 it became federally protected under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service, and in 1933 jurisdiction passed to the National Park Service who maintain and conserve the site today.

The Chalet and Chateau, commonly referred to as "The Lodge" completed construction in 1934. A flood and mudslide nearly destroyed "The Lodge" in 1964. The lodge has since been restored.

The Chalet and Chateau also boast an impressive collection of Monterey furniture that was purchased specifically for the original accommodations.

Continual discovery's at the cave site never seem to end. In 1995 the most complete Cave Jagaur (Panthera Onca Agustus) fossil has been found, in July 2006 a 3000 year old bear skeleton was found.

Photo credit: (elijah davidson - NPS),(Chateau & Chalet - vandegraeff, all rights reserved)

Many animals throughout history have used this cave as a refuge. There is many secrets and mysteries that still exist in the cave and reveal themselves periodically. Recent artifacts unearthed in July of 2006 was a 3000 year old Grizzly Bear skeleton. In 1995 the most complete "Cave Jagaur" fossil was discovered. These are just a few examples of the past that have lingered into the present.

Today you can find the relatives of the by gone fossilized ancestors still roaming the forest of this ancient place. The cougar still hunts this land for its existence. The Black Bear still ambles down the wooded trails in the park.

Although these creatures do not live in the cave anylonger there are still a few mammals who do.

Bats! Yes bats still inhabit the cave and are often times sleeping when you may be visiting.

Great care is taken when approaching areas of the cave where there may one of these critters taking a snooze.

The bats that you may find in this cave system include Townsend's Big eared bats and Pallid bats.

These bats can be seen swooping and darting through the air in search of prey of insects. What you may not of known however is that the bats aren't the only flying mammal in the area.

Flying squirrels, which actually glide rather than truly fly, reside in the forest surrounding the cave. This rodent is a valuable member of the forest community as it helps sustain a population of Spotted Owls.