• Photo of the vast drapery formations inside Oregon Caves National Monument.

    Oregon Caves

    National Monument Oregon

Cliff Nature Trail

Marble outcroppings on the Cliff Nature trail.

Marble outcroppings on the Cliff Nature trail.

Cliff Nature Trail Map, 88 KB pdf file

Distance (from the cave exit): 0.7 mile (1.1 km)
Duration: allow 30 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 75 feet (23 m) from cave exit
Trailhead: cave trail exit

Distance (from the cave entrance): 1.0 mile (1.6 km)
Duration: allow 45 minutes to 1 hour
Elevation Gain: 300 feet (90 m) from the Chateau
Trailhead: follow the pave path past the cave entrance

Description: This is the most popular trail at the Monument passing over marble rock outcrops, through Douglas fir / Grand fir forest, and offering spectacular panoramas. The trail climbs up over part of the mountain the cave is located in. You will be rewarded in the middle of the hike with a great vista point where most of the monument valley can be seen. There are also interpretive panels along the trail to provide information about the surroundings.

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Did You Know?

The vista from Mount Elijah looks to the Red Buttes wilderness, Mount Shasta and other scenic vistas.

One of the most spectacular vistas near Oregon Caves is located on Mount Elijah. The hike is strenuous if you start at the monument but the staff at the Visitor Center can direct you to another, less strenuous trail to the mountain.