Oregon Caves National Monument

In Murphy, cross a small green bridge over the Applegate River to continue on to the Oregon Caves and Holland Loop. Turn left on New Hope Road in the direction of Wilderville, then in about 3½ miles turn left on Fish Hatchery Road, following signs to Wilderville/Hwy 199. Look sharp and carry a good area map: these signs are very subtle. Wend your way through tiny towns, green pasturelands, llama farms, and horse ranches. Beautiful! When Fish Hatchery dead ends after 6½ miles, turn left, then left again onto Hwy 199 South in the direction of Cave Junction. Turn left off Hwy 199 going south onto 46/Oregon Caves National Monument. You have a couple of choices at this point. A visit to the Oregon Caves National Monument will be an unusual treat for anyone who has never experienced a limestone/marble cave before. Keep in mind that cave tours are not for the claustrophobic! The monument’s elevation of 4,000 feet plus the necessity to maneuver many hundreds of steps inside the cave (there’s a vertical rise of about 218 feet), make the tour strenuous for some. The complete tour lasts about 75 minutes and covers half a mile. It is narrow, low, and damp with temperatures running in the 40s. Wear good shoes and warm clothes and enjoy the adventure! Hours vary—call 541-592-2100, www.nps.gov/orca. The Visitor Center is located on Hwy 46 as you head east to the caves themselves so stop there first to orient yourself and ask questions.