If you’re itching for adventure and the call of nature, a road trip to visit the Oregon Caves is a perfect escape. Located deep in the Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, this national monument and preserve is a bucket-list-worthy destination filled with geological wonder, forested beauty, and cool mountain air. It’s a great place to take your family and escape the heat of Southern Oregon. But before you hit the highway, make sure your journey starts on the right foot—by fueling up at Eagles Market & Gas in Eagle Point. With fresh fuel for your vehicle and tasty fuel for your road trip cravings, it’s your one-stop shop to kick off the day’s adventure.
A Little About Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
Located near Cave Junction, the Oregon Caves are about a two-hour scenic drive from Eagle Point, winding through the picturesque Rogue Valley and into the lush forests of the Siskiyou range. The drive itself offers incredible views—rolling vineyards, pine-covered hills, and winding rivers—but the destination is the true highlight.
Known as the “Marble Halls of Oregon,” the Oregon Caves are a rare example of a marble cave system. They were formed over millions of years as rainwater dissolved and reshaped the rock. This unique geological feature makes the cave complex unlike many others across the United States, which are usually formed in limestone.
Once you arrive at the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, you can choose from various guided tours. The most popular is the Discovery Tour, a 90-minute trek underground led by National Park Service rangers. You’ll pass through narrow tunnels and vast caverns with fantastical stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations—some resembling frozen waterfalls, others like giant melted candles.
For the more adventurous, the Off-Trail Caving Tour (seasonal) offers a belly-crawling, helmet-wearing, flashlight-in-hand experience that plunges you into the wild sections of the cave. If you’re traveling with children or want a shorter experience, the Kids & Family Tour is perfect and features fun stories and manageable terrain.
Above ground, don’t skip the hiking trails surrounding the monument. The Big Tree Trail, for example, leads you to one of the largest Douglas firs in Oregon. The air is crisp, the forest is dense, and the peace of the wilderness is unmatched.
Beyond the geological marvels, a visit to the Oregon Caves is a journey through time. Discovered in 1874 by a settler chasing his lost dog, the cave system has since become a protected monument, drawing tourists, naturalists, and photographers alike. The Oregon Caves Chateau, a National Historic Landmark built in the 1930s, still stands today and offers rustic accommodations and a quaint dining experience during the open season.
This destination connects you with Oregon’s natural and cultural history in a way few attractions can. From exploring marble corridors to marveling at century-old architecture, the Oregon Caves experience is immersive and memorable.
Start Your Road Trip at Eagles Market & Gas
Before you dive into this underground adventure, make sure you’re fully prepared—starting with a stop at Eagles Market & Gas in Eagle Point. Conveniently located and well-stocked, Eagles Market is more than a fuel station. It’s your hometown hub for everything you need to start the day’s road trip off right.
Fill Your Tank: The two-hour drive to visit the Oregon Caves includes remote stretches with limited services. Starting with a full tank from Eagles Market ensures you’re ready to conquer winding mountain roads without worrying about where to gas up next.
Stock Up on Snacks: What’s a road trip without road snacks? Eagles Market offers a wide selection of chips, candy, fresh sandwiches, trail mix, and other grab-and-go options. You’ll also find cold beverages to keep you hydrated and energized on the drive and during your cave exploration.
Support Local: When you stop at Eagles Market & Gas, you’re supporting a locally-owned business committed to serving the Eagle Point community. Their friendly service and commitment to quality make every stop feel like coming home—even when you’re headed out on an exciting adventure.
So next time you’re ready to visit the Oregon Caves, make your first stop Eagles Market & Gas in Eagle Point. Adventure is waiting—and we’ll help you get there.