Discover Southern Oregon’s Hidden Gems!

Oregon is famous for its beautiful nature, and the southern part of the state truly shines. Here, you’ll find places that feel like they’re right out of a storybook. We’re talking about ancient caves carved by water and whimsical treehouses built high above the ground.

As you get close to the caves, you’ll spot an important landmark: the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Sign. This sign is like a giant welcome mat, letting you know you’ve arrived at the entrance to a truly special natural wonder!

Step Inside the Earth: Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Have you ever wondered what it’s like deep inside the earth? At the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, you can find out! These natural marble caves were formed over millions of years by water slowly dissolving rock. It’s like a giant, underground sculpture park!

Exploring the Caves

To see the best parts of the caves, you’ll join a ranger-guided tour. Your guide will lead you through winding passages, past sparkling stalactites (which hang down from the ceiling) and stalagmites (which grow up from the floor). It’s always cool inside, even on a hot day, so bring a light jacket!

The tours teach you about geology, the cool creatures that live in the dark (like bats!), and the history of how the caves were discovered. It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Reach for the Sky: Out’n’About Treehouses

After your underground adventure, how about sleeping in the trees? Just a short drive from the Oregon Caves, you’ll find Out’n’About Treehouses. This isn’t just one treehouse; it’s a whole resort with many different treehouses, each unique and amazing!

Sleeping in the Trees

Imagine climbing up a spiral staircase or crossing a rope bridge to get to your bedroom high above the ground. At Out’n’About, you can spend the night in a cozy treehouse, listen to the sounds of the forest, and wake up to birds singing right outside your window. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves nature and adventure!

Besides sleeping, the resort often has other fun activities like zip-lining, rope swings, and horseback riding, making it a great place for families.

Lace Up Your Boots: Amazing Hiking Trails!

Both the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve and the area around Out’n’About Treehouses are surrounded by beautiful forests, perfect for hiking. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer adventure, there’s a trail for you!

Trails Near Oregon Caves

The area around the caves offers several trails that let you experience the beauty of the forest above ground.

Cave Creek Trail

This is a popular and relatively easy loop trail that starts near the cave entrance. It follows Cave Creek, which is the very stream that helped carve out the famous caves below! It’s a nice, peaceful walk through the forest with gentle ups and downs.

Big Tree Trail

If you love giant trees, this trail is for you! It’s a bit more challenging than Cave Creek Trail, with some uphill sections, but it leads you to some truly enormous and ancient trees, including a massive Douglas-fir. It’s a great way to feel tiny next to nature’s giants!

Mount Elijah Trail

For more experienced hikers, the trail to the summit of Mount Elijah offers stunning views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains. This trail is longer and steeper, but the reward is a breathtaking panorama. It usually starts from near the Oregon Caves parking area.

Trails Around Out’n’About Treehouses

While Out’n’About Treehouses is more about the treehouses themselves, the property and surrounding forests also offer great opportunities for walks and exploring.

Treehouse Property Trails

Many of the treehouses are connected by charming pathways and bridges. Guests can explore the property, discovering different treehouse designs and enjoying the forest setting. There might be small, informal trails that lead to various activities or scenic spots within the resort grounds.

Local Forest Roads and Trails

The treehouses are nestled in a beautiful part of the Oregon Grants Pass area, surrounded by National Forests. This means there are many forest roads and unofficial trails nearby where you can take longer walks. Always be sure to check with the Out’n’About staff or local maps for safe and permitted areas to explore.

Your Hiking Questions Answered!

Q: How hard are these trails?

A: The trails vary! Some, like the Cave Creek Trail, are fairly easy and good for most people. Others, like the Big Tree Trail or Mount Elijah, can be more challenging with steeper sections. Always check trail maps and descriptions before you go, and pick a trail that matches your group’s abilities.

Q: What should I bring on a hike?

A: Always bring plenty of water! Good hiking shoes (or sturdy sneakers) are a must. Snacks are great for energy. It’s also smart to wear layers of clothing, so you can add or remove them as the weather changes. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a small backpack to carry it all.

Q: Are dogs allowed on these trails?

A: At Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, dogs are generally allowed on the outdoor trails but not inside the caves or visitor center (unless they are service animals). For Out’n’About, you’ll need to check their specific pet policy as it’s a private resort. Always keep dogs on a leash and clean up after them!

Q: What kind of animals might I see?

A: The forests are home to lots of wildlife! You might spot deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and many different kinds of birds. If you’re lucky and very quiet, you might even see a black bear (from a safe distance, of course!) or a bobcat. Remember to always observe wildlife from afar and never feed them.

Your Adventure Recap!

Southern Oregon truly offers a one-of-a-kind adventure for everyone! It starts with the stunning Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve Sign, which signals your arrival at a place where you can dive deep into the earth’s ancient history. Inside the cool, mysterious Oregon Caves, you’ll be amazed by the natural sculptures formed over millions of years and learn about the unique underground world.

After exploring below ground, you can reach for the sky at Out’n’About Treehouses, where you can sleep in beautifully crafted homes high in the trees. This whimsical resort provides not just a place to stay, but an experience in itself, often with fun activities like zip-lining right outside your door.

And connecting all these amazing experiences are the beautiful hiking trails. Near the Oregon Caves, you can choose from easy walks like the Cave Creek Trail that follows the water, more challenging hikes like the Big Tree Trail to see massive ancient trees, or even climb Mount Elijah for incredible views. Around the Out’n’About Treehouses, you can enjoy charming walks on their property or explore nearby forest roads, soaking in the peaceful natural surroundings.

Whether you’re curious about geology, love sleeping in unique places, or enjoy the fresh air and beauty of a forest hike, the combination of Oregon Caves and Out’n’About Treehouses provides an unforgettable journey that’s both educational and incredibly fun!