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Oregon Caves National Monument Testing the pH of Oregon Caves' watershed
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Oregon Caves National Monument
Environmental Factors

The cave at Oregon Caves National Monument is a solution cave formed in a marble outcrop located in Siskiyou mountain range of Southwest Oregon.

The marble formed as a consequence of tectonic activity. Limestone of the Juan de Fuca oceanic plate subducted under the North American continental plate and was metamorphosed (recrystallized) into marble. The intense faulting and folding incurred by the marble resulted in a geosynclinic karst system. The predominant rectilinear branchwork passages are a result of the steep upper profile of the bedding planes.

The surrounding forest, watershed, and temperature can influence the cave.  To learn how read more!

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A small cave located near the visitor center.

Did You Know?
The marble rocks of Oregon Caves were once a tropical reef that was pushed under the continental edge to a depth of 12 miles and then uplifted to 4,000 feet above sea level.
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Last Updated: August 23, 2006 at 13:05 MST