A Peek into the Past: How the Caves Formed

The Oregon Caves are a true masterpiece of nature. They were formed over a very, very long time—millions of years! It all started with rock called limestone, which used to be ancient seafloor. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, seeped into cracks in this limestone. Slowly, the water dissolved the rock, creating vast tunnels and rooms. Over even more time, water dripping through the ceiling left behind minerals, building up amazing formations like stalactites (which hang down) and stalagmites (which grow up from the floor). It’s like nature’s own slow-motion art project!

The Unearthing: When Humans First Found the Caves

Who first stumbled upon this hidden world? It was a hunter named Elijah Davidson in 1874. The story goes that his dog chased a bear into a hole, and when Elijah followed, he discovered the massive entrance to the caves! Imagine his surprise!

People quickly realized how special these caves were. Explorers began mapping them, and pretty soon, folks were coming from all over to see them. Because they were so unique and beautiful, leaders decided they needed special protection.

Building on History: The Oregon Caves Chateau

When you visit the Oregon Caves today, you’ll see a beautiful, large building right at the cave entrance called the Oregon Caves Chateau. This historic lodge was built in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It was constructed by young men working for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a government program that put people to work on important projects. The Chateau is built right over a creek, and its design perfectly blends into the forest around it. It’s a wonderful place to relax before or after your cave tour, and it feels like stepping back in time!

Sleeping Among the Leaves: What’s a Treehouse Resort?

If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own treehouse, imagine an entire resort made of them! Just a short drive from the Oregon Caves, nestled in the green forests, is the amazing Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort. This unique place was created by a man named Michael Garnier, who built his first treehouse for fun and then just kept going! Now, there are many different treehouses you can stay in, some simple, some fancy, all built around living trees. It’s an unforgettable way to experience nature and feel like a kid again.

Just Down the Road: The Small Town of Takilma

The Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort is located very close to a small, quiet community called Takilma, Oregon. Takilma is not a big city, but it’s known for being a friendly, somewhat artistic, and very community-minded place. It’s where many of the people who work at the Treesort live, and it adds to the remote, natural feeling of the area. So, when you’re visiting the treehouses, you’re experiencing a bit of the unique charm of Takilma and its surrounding beautiful landscape.

Frequently Asked About the Caves and Resort

Q1: How deep do you go into the Oregon Caves?

When you take a guided tour, you’ll explore about half a mile of the cave system. The tour route can go up and down quite a bit, so be ready for some stairs!

Q2: Can I touch the formations in the caves?

No, it’s very important not to touch the cave formations. The oils from our hands can stop them from growing and can even damage them over time. “Leave only footprints, take only memories!”

Q3: Is the Treehouse Resort part of the National Monument?

No, the Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort is a completely separate, privately owned resort. It’s located nearby, making it a great place to stay if you’re visiting the caves, but it’s not managed by the National Park Service.

Q4: What should I wear when visiting the caves?

Even on a hot day, the caves stay cool—around 44 degrees Fahrenheit (about 7 degrees Celsius)! So, bring a jacket or sweatshirt. Also, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes because the cave paths can be wet and uneven.

Q5: Who was Joaquin Miller and why is he mentioned?

Joaquin Miller was a famous American poet who loved nature and lived in Oregon. He was a big supporter of making the Oregon Caves a protected national monument, helping to make sure they would be preserved for future generations.

Q6: What kinds of trees are the treehouses built in?

The treehouses at the Treesort are built in different types of strong, native trees like Douglas firs and Ponderosa pines, which are common in the forests of Oregon.