Discovery Cave Tour

Visitors exploring the vast interior of Oregon Caves, surrounded by impressive rock formations and guided by a ranger-led tour.

NPS Photo

Journey into the Depths of Oregon Caves

Twist, stoop, and explore the dark depths of Oregon Caves on a 90-minute adventure with a knowledgeable ranger guide. As you navigate through a labyrinth of marble passageways, you'll encounter stunning flowstones and visit a massive chamber located 220 feet beneath the surface. Your guide will explain the fascinating geology surrounding you, making this an unforgettable caving experience. Tours are limited to 12 people, so be sure to check Plan Your Visit for information on tour seasons, hours, and fees.

Ticket Information:

First-come, first-served tickets are available at the park, but it’s highly recommended to stop by the Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction before making the 45-minute drive to the cave. All party members must be present to purchase tickets. Please note that during spring break and the summer, long wait times and occasional sellouts are common. Reservations are encouraged to secure your spot.

Children’s Requirements:

For safety reasons, children must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall to participate in the cave tour. The cave route is not safe for small children, and they cannot be carried through the cave.

Physical Considerations:

This tour is physically demanding and requires the ability to navigate narrow, twisting passages, including an 88-foot (27m) section with ceilings as low as 45 inches (114 cm). You will also need to ascend and descend over 520 steps, many of which are steep, uneven, and without handrails.

Before the tour, the guide will ask visitors to crouch to 45 inches (114 cm) and take a few steps to ensure everyone can safely complete the route. If a visitor cannot meet this requirement, they may be invited to explore Watson’s Grotto, the first room of the cave, but may need to exit at that point. Watson’s Grotto is 75 feet (23m) from the entrance and requires stooping to 51 inches (130 cm).

This tour is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, breathing issues, balance difficulties, or problems with walking or climbing stairs. Visitors with back, knee, hip, ankle, or foot problems should also exercise caution.

Protecting the Cave:

To help preserve the cave, visitors are asked not to touch the walls or formations along the tour route. An exhibit in the visitor center allows you to tactilely experience the cave without harming the natural features.

What to Bring:

• Warm clothing: The cave temperature is 44°F (7°C).
• Sturdy walking shoes: Please avoid open-toed shoes, flip-flops, or sandals.

What Not to Bring:

• Flashlights, backpacks, purses, walking sticks, food, gum, candy, tobacco products, or tripods are not permitted on the tour.

Protect Our Bats:

To prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease that affects bats, please avoid wearing or bringing any clothing, shoes, or items that have been in another cave, mine, or bat habitat. Spores carried on personal items can spread this harmful disease.