Walter Burch

Walter C. Burch, right, and Homer D. Harkness opened Oregon Caves as a tourist attraction in 1885. Burch managed the site while Harkness ran the stage stop at Grave Creek. The two are pictured playing cards in this photo, taken in Grants Pass nearly 100 years ago.

NPS

Early Discoverer of Oregon Caves

"I am confident that there are more caves, or chambers to be discovered," Walter Burch once remarked, reflecting his unwavering belief in the vastness of Oregon Caves. Burch was a key figure in the early exploration of the caves, first hearing about them in 1884. That same year, he assembled a group to investigate, and along with Homer D. Harkness, attempted to secure ownership of the surrounding land. Despite three years of effort and $1,500 spent, they were only able to claim squatters' rights, but they nonetheless opened the caves to the public under the name the Limestone Caves.

Burch's most notable accomplishment came when he discovered a significant portion of the cave system. While exploring a chamber now known as Niagara Falls, he noticed a draft coming from a small opening. Determined to find out more, Burch spent two days lying in two inches of ice water, blasting open the hole just enough to squeeze through after removing his outer garments. His perseverance paid off as he became the first person to see the Grand Column and other magnificent rooms in the Oregon Caves. His discoveries helped shape the caves into the national treasure they are today.