Welcome back to National Parks and other public lands with T!

The Chateau at Oregon Caves is one of the National Park’s “Great Lodges,” and a National Historic Landmark. While visiting the park we went into the Chateau to admire the decor and have lunch in the 1930s era Caves Café.

What a fun retro café! We were delighted to step back in time while relaxing in this charming and friendly soda fountain.

We especially enjoyed the sweet potato fries and the shakes were huge and yummy. My daughter could not finish her chocolate malted so of course I helped her… Delicious, best shake I’ve ever tasted.

After our lunch and cave tour, we had time for a short hike before getting back on the road. We picked up The Cliff Nature Trail behind the Visitor Center. This one-mile loop travels over the marble cave and ascends nearly 400 feet through the fir trees of Siskiyou National Forest to panoramic views of the Illinois Valley.

It took us less than an hour to complete the trail, allowing for a slow ascent and lots of photo stops.

Location: 19000 Caves Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523
Designation: National Monument
Date designated/established: July 12, 1909
Date of my visit: August 2016