National Park Service Monument News U.S. Department of the Interior

Oiregon CGW®§

THE OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER OF OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT

Volume 20 The 2007 Edition ^^^^^^^.

Oregon Caves—yours to Discover Welcome from the Superintendent Ticket Sales Cave Tours Tour Schedule The season to enjoy Oregon Caves National Monument's Tour tickets are sold on a first- The tour lasts approximately 90 Spring many natural and cultural come first-served basis and may minutes. Average temperature March 24 to May 25 resources is here again. As be purchased for any available in the cave is 44°F (7°C) year 10:00AM to 4:00PM our Centennial Celebration tour scheduled for that day. round. Trail surfaces inside the Tours on the hour approaches in 2009 we have Tickets have assigned tour times cave are uneven and wet. Be some very exciting things in so please be sure to arrive on sure to wear warm clothing and May 26 to June 22 store. This summer marks time for your scheduled tour. good walking shoes. 9:00AM to 5:00PM the return of our Introduc­ tion to Caving tours for those Arriving early in the day during Due to the low ceilings and nar­ Tours on the hour inspired by challenging all July and August will help you row passageways in the cave, Summer the senses, including your carrying children or backpacks avoid long waits for a cave tour. June 23 to Sept. 3 sense of adventure. Our park is not permitted. Cameras with rangers have designed their Tour tickets can only be pur­ flash units are welcome, but 9:00AM to 6:00PM tours and ranger programs chased at the Visitor Center. The tripods or the use of personal Tours every 30 mins. to provide educational and Visitor Center opens 30 minutes flashlights are not allowed. Candlelight Tours enjoyable experiences for before the first cave tour of the Fri. & Sat. at 6:30PM visitors, keeping in mind the day and closes when the last The Tour Route National Park Service mis­ regular cave tour of the day de­ Fall sion to preserve our natural The cave tour is considered Sept. 4 to Oct. 8 parts. Lockers are available for moderately strenuous. It is and cultural resources for storing personal items. this and future generations. not recommended for people 9:00AM to 5:00PM I hope that your experience with heart, breathing, walking, Tours on the hour here at Oregon Caves in­ $8.50 for Adults or bending problems. The 0.6 Oct. 9 to Oct. 21 spires you to get involved, by $6.00 for Youth (16 and under) mile (1 km) route includes more participating in conservation than 500 stairs, most of which 10:00AM to 4:00PM issues and sharing your ideas We honor your America the are steep, uneven, and wet. Low Tours on the hour about how best to protect Beautiful, National Park, Senior, passageways require bending Oct. 22 to Nov. 25 our public lands. We look Access, and Volunteer Passes. and twisting. These passes can be purchased 10:00AM to 4:00PM forward to your input. in our Visitor Center. In order to participate in the Tours every 2 hours, cave tour, children must be at 10 - Noon - 2 - 4 Special Tour least 42 inches tall and able Closed on Thanksgiving to demonstrate their ability to A complimentary wheelchair climb a set of test stairs. Child Winter tour is available into the cave's care services are not available. Cave Closed for Tours first room.

Thank you for coming to visit, Hiking Trails Ranger Programs The Chateau

Craig Ackerman

INSIDE... The View Master..... pg 3 Explore Beyond Oregon Caves pg 4 Introduction to Caving Tour. pg 8 Page 6 Page 6 Page 7 Illinois Valley Drive., pg 8 National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Parting (Gas) Is Such Sweet Sorrow or How Marble got its Black Lines John Roth, Chief of Resource Management Oregon Caves National Monument For 15 million years, bacte­ oceans This event probably to survive it, but it became so Elijah Davidson is credited by rial reefs covered all shallow killed three times more species widespread that there were few many for discovering the cave. He oceans. This last happened than the meteor that would kill refuges for life to survive it. came upon it in November of 1874 over a billion years ago, so the dinosaurs 188 million years The "sweet" side to this vent­ while hunting with his dog Bruno. long ago that animals hadn't later. As word spread about its beauty, ing of toxic gas event was the even begun to eat microbes. damage to the cave and its delicate Although not yet so extreme, reduced competition for the Even before the Caves' bed­ formations caused great concern. such rapid and extensive ex­ species that did survive it. This rock began to form, rising lava In July of 1909, President Taft tinction then, as now, came eventually gave rise to an even cooked organic-rich muds signed a proclamation establishing from increased acids, drought, higher biodiversity than before into methane, producing a Oregon Caves National Monu­ hurricanes, deforestation, ero­ the catastrophe. Genetic isola­ ment in order to protect this special greenhouse gas a twenty fold sion, "dead zones," toxic metals, tion accumulated and acceler­ place for future generations. First stronger than carbon dioxide. biotic invasions, and climate ated mutations into new species. managed by the Forest Service, it During this time the Earth's warming from burning fossil fu­ However, it has taken at least 15 was transfered to the National Park atmosphere was filled with els. The only major differences million years to recover, biodi­ Service in 1934. greenhouse gases due to the between then and now is the versity-wise. And the black-lined many volcanic eruptions on Superintendent extent and duration. Not only marble in the Caves are likely a the Earth's surface. These Craig Ackerman was the holocaust so fast that record of a dramatic change in gases combined and warmed life couldn't evolve adaptations the Earth's enviroment. Chief of Administration the Earth enough to melt the Jean Corrigan methane "ice" that was found in oceans and polar soils. Chief of Interpretation Roger Brandt The resulting hothouse event stopped the oxygen flow in Chief of Maintenence seawater. Hydrogen sulfide John Cavin then bubbled in the seawa­ ter producing a strong acid Chief of Resource Management that dissolved tree leaves and John Roth animal lungs, killing over 95% of all life bigger than bacteria. In an Emergency This event also decreased Dial 9 1 1 oxygen, ozone, ice, oceanic currents, and habitats for CONTACT INFORMATION nearly all species. When the Mailing Address bacterial mats began to die Oregon Caves National Monument they would sink forming 19000 Caves Highway layers on the bottom of the Graphite lines in the marble are likely remnants of bacterial mats Cave Junction, OR 97523 that were deposited within ancient tropical reefs.

Park Website www.nps.gov/orca Map of Oregon Caves' Information Tour Routes Park Headquarters 541-592-2100

Fax Number 541-592-3981

Publication of this paper was made possible by a grant from the Oregon Caves Natural History Association.

The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the Amercian people so that all may experience our heritage.

Park Regulations

* DO NOT feed wildlife. * Stay on marked trails. * Pets are not permitted on trails. Pets must be attended and kept on a leash at all times. * Camping or campfires are not permitted in the monument. * Due to high fire danger, smoking is not permitted on any of the trails. * Hunting, trapping, and/or possessing of a firearm are prohibited.

2 Oregon Caves Monument News The View Master: A Toy with Roots at Oregon Caves Roger Brandt, Chief of Interpretation The small toy called the View The View Master story started in Master is familiar to many people. 1938 when the inventor, William Some may even still have the Gruber, of Portland, met Harold round, cardboard photo reels that Grimes, the president of Sawyers, were given to them in their early Inc., an Oregon postcard manu­ childhood. The toy had an astound­ facturing company. They had just ing impact nationally as well as finished a tour of Oregon Caves globally, and it is estimated that and began talking about the pair over 65 percent of the world's of identical cameras that Gruber population recognize the name had mounted on his tripod. Gruber View Master. It is surprising that a explained that the two cameras Oregon Caves Chateau dr. 1938 toy destined to rise to global sig­ simultaneously took photos of the ter reels went on sale in December years after Gruber and Grimes met nificance began its journey here in same object from two different of 1939 and enjoyed instant popu­ at Oregon Caves, the Chalet was the Illinois Valley of Oregon. angles and these could be viewed larity. However, it is ironic that the torn down and a three-story struc­ through a special device to see reels for Oregon Caves National ture, the building present today, was three-dimensional pictures. Monument, the place where the constructed. View Master story began, were not Grimes was interested in hearing produced until 1956. The Oregon Caves reels produced more, so they decided to meet for in 1956 have photos of the Chalet dinner in the Oregon Caves lodge Nevertheless, this delay is what when it was a two-story building. to talk about the idea. That eve­ makes the Oregon Caves reels These photos had to be taken before ning they drew up the preliminary perhaps the most unique set ever 1940, and it is likely that the ones plans and agreements for putting produced for the View Master. used in the Oregon Caves reels are Gruber's idea into production. The To understand this, you'd need to the original photos that Gruber took product would become known as know a small detail about the first on the same day he met Grimes. the View Master. Since then, Ore­ building constructed at Oregon Therefore, the Oregon Caves reels gon Caves National Monument has Caves, the Chalet. This building would be the only ones ever pro­ The Oregon Caves View Master been recognized as the home of the was originally a two-story structure duced with pictures taken on the day disks were made in 1956. View Master. The first View Mas- constructed in 1922. In 1940, two that the View Master idea was born.

The First Trails to Oregon Caves In the first fifty years of Oregon Mount Elijah are hiking along the Caves' history, the only way to general route of this trail, the oldest visit this natural wonder was by trail to Oregon Caves. traveling on one of three trails. The Cave Creek Trail When the Oregon Caves Highway was constructed in 1922, these Constructed in 1885, this trail was trails fell into disrepair except for used until 1922. Walter Burch was a few segments that are still in use the first person to make a serious today. These fragments provide effort to promote Oregon Caves as a an opportunity to hike and see the tourist attraction. He placed a claim area as the very first visitors to the on the caves in 1884 and built a caves may have seen it. trail along Cave Creek to the caves. At that time, a wagon road from Clapboard-Grayback Kerbyville ended in the vicinity of Boundary Trail present-day Grayback Campground. The Williams-to-Caves Trail The first trail used by visitors to From there it took about six hours reach the caves was probably the to make the trip to the Caves. Visi­ same route that Elijah Davidson tors who hike the two mile Cave used when he came to this area on Creek Trail from the Oregon Caves a hunting trip and found Oregon lodge down to Cave Creek Camp­ Caves in 1874. This route likely ground are hiking along the general route of this historic trail. included well traveled pack trails that miners used to bring supplies The Williams-to-Caves from the town of Williams to min­ Trail ing camps on Sucker Creek, about a mile south of the caves. In the spring of 1886, Walter Burch The trail was notoriously diffi­ worked on a trail from Oregon cult because of the steep climb of Caves to the community of Wil­ almost 4,000 feet from Williams to liams. This would later become the Windy Gap, a pass near Grayback primary route that people took to Peak, located about five miles visit the Oregon Caves until 1922. north of the caves. The trail then The trail roughly paralleled the old­ followed a fairly level route to er route traversing Windy Gap and Mount Elijah overlooking the Big- Bigelow Lakes, but did not have the elow Lakes basin before descend­ steep climb that travelers faced on ing down a ridge toward Oregon the Clapboard-Grayback Pack Trail. Caves. Visitors who hike to see Visitors who hike on the trail to the the Big Tree and continue up to Big Tree follow this historic trail for about half a mile. Waterfall on Cave Creek near mile 15 of Caves Highway Oregon Caves Monument News 3 Exploring beyond the Oregon Caves Hiking the This region is one of crystal clear waters in pristine rivers and mountain lakes, hundreds of miles of Bigelow Lakes Loop Trail trails, and is recognized as one of the most geologically unique and biologically diverse areas in the

country. Discover some of the places that make this region so unique... High above the Oregon Caves The trail continues up from in the Siskiyou National Forest Bigelow Lake to a saddle be­ is the summit of Mount Elijah. tween Lake Peak to the left From there, views of the Red and Mount Elijah to the right. Buttes Wilderness to the south The trail forks with the left trail and the Kalmiopsis to the west going downhill to the Bound­ are unobstructed except for the ary Trail and the Red Buttes clouds that blanket the valleys Wilderness. The uphill fork to View of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness below. On a clear day, you might the right leads to the summit even catch sight of the snow­ of Mount Elijah at 6,390 feet in capped peak of Mt. Shasta far in elevation. The hike from USFS the distance. 070 to the summit is about 2 miles and gains approximately There are two ways to reach 790 feet in elevation. Follow the these spectacular views. The Boundary Trail down from the Bigelow Lakes Loop Trailhead summit and connect back to is located on USFS 070. This the Bigelow Lake Trail, ending trail starts out as the Mountain back at the USFS 070 junction. Meadows Trail, which leads A map is recommended. through meadows within a basin carved out by glaciers. From the monument, the Bigelow Lake is off the trail to Mount Elijah summit is a 4.5 the right. Bigelow Lake, a shal­ mile hike. Starting on the Big low but large pond full of lilies, Tree Trail, follow trail signs up feeds Lake Creek, a source of to the Boundary Trail and then The Swinging Bridge on the Illinois River water for the Monument and a to the summit. The gain in el­ tributary of the Illinois River. evation from the Visitor Center This is one of the cleanest wa­ to the summit is 2,390 feet and tersheds in the nation. round trip takes about 6 hours.

The Applegate Trail Museum Hikers enjoy Bigelow Lake.

Discover the story about the "other" Oregon Trail and the pioneer settlers of this region. Another Onion Mountain Road A combination of paved and gravel roads take you through a region where plant communities Applegate Trail Museum attraction near to the museum is the Grave Creek covered bridge. Open Daily 10 - 5, June 1 - Oct. 31 change dramatically with changes in geology. Typically the road is not passable in the winter. Phone: (888) 411-1846 Address: 500 Sunny Valley Loop, Sunny Valley, OR 97497 Big Pine

Travel along one of the most scenic roads in southern Oregon to the historic town of Jacksonville. An unusual geologic region of craggy peaks, meadows, and small lakes that is ideal for overnight Applegate Valley This area was a center of commerce in the late 1800's and Oregon's first National Historic District. Red Buttes Wilderness backpacking and day hikes. Phone:(541)899-8118

A scenic drive along the TJ Howell Botanical Drive takes you to the trailheads for Babyfoot Lake Unique and diverse plant communities have adapted to the unique geology of the area. A short loop trail and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. Rough and Ready Baby foot Lake Area wheelchair accessible trail takes visitors on a short hike to a view point overlooking Rough and Phone: (541) 592-4000 Address: 26568 Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523 Botanical Area Ready Creek. Visitor Center Phone: (541) 592-4076

Historic This is one of the first smokejumper bases in the nation's history and the first in Oregon history. Rogue River Scenic Corridor Trailhead to One of the most popular rafting rivers on the west coast. A 38 mile long trail follows the river with Smokejumper Base This is a self guided tour. Address: 120 N. Redwood Hwy, Cave Junction, OR 97523 many scenic vistas and points of historic interest. Rainie Falls A unique opportunity to hike through landscapes of serpentinite and the ecosystems that thrive in Find fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities along one of the largest wild river systems serpentine soils. The unique geologic and biologic diversity add to the splendor of jagged peaks, Smith River National in the country. The geology of the surrounding mountains gives the river an aqua-blue color and Kalmiopsis Wilderness mountain lakes, and wild river gorges. It's a great area for day hikes or longer overnight backpacking Recreation Area astounding clarity. Roads climb from the river to the Siskiyou Wilderness with many hiking opportu­ trips. nities. The Smith River NRA Headquarters has maps, books, and exhibits. Phone: (707) 457-3131

Discover the early history of the Illinois Valley settlers in one of Oregon's oldest mining communi­ Wild and Scenic On one of the most remote and inaccessible wild river corridors in the country, visitors can find fish­ Kerbyville Museum ties. A historic school and replica of a Native American home are on exhibit outside the museum Illinois River ing, boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities. This area can be accessed though Forks State Park building. Phone: (541) 592-5252 Address: 24195 Redwwod Hwy, Kerby, OR 97523 from sunrise until sunset. Phone: (800) 551-6949 and ask about Forks State Park.

4 Oregon Caves Monument News Oregon Caves Monument News 5 Hiking at Oregon Caves Exploring Safely Follow these simple guidelines to ensure that all the plants, animals, Miles of free hiking trails and natural beauty will be here for generations to come. meander through Oregon Caves National Monument and into * Enjoy walking on the trails to view the natural beauty... the Siskiyou National Forest ...and please stay on the pathways to minimize the impact to the beyond. If you are unprepared, forest and wildlife. even a short hike can be danger­ * Enjoy the vast array of native plants and animals here within the ous. Talk with a Ranger about Siskiyou mountains... trail conditions, carry and drink ...and please do not remove anything from its natural habitat. plenty of water, and be sure Do not feed the wild animals or birds as feeding degrades the health and someone knows your itinerary. habits of these creatures. It is also prohibited by law. Practice "Leave No Trace" eth­ * Enjoy picnicking at the picnic area next to the No Name Trail... ics to reduce your impact on the One of the many spectacular views you ...and please dispose of all litter in proper receptacles including land, and... enjoy! could witness along the monument's trails. recyclables.

From cave exit, 0.7 miles Allow 40 minutes Cougar/Bear Country Cliff Nature Spectacular panoramic views of the From Visitor Center, 1.0 mile loop from Cave exit, or 1 Loop Trail Illinois Valley. Cougar and black bear are im­ (1.6 km). hour for entire loop. portant members of the animal Historic trail leads from Visitor Cen­ Total loop distance is 0.8 miles Old Growth Allow community who inhabit these ter to main parking lot. Lined with (1.3 km) with 200 feet (60 m) gain Trail 30-40 minutes Siskiyou mountains. While they beautiful old growth trees. in elevation to highest point. are rarely seen and the risk of Total loop distance 1.3 miles (2.1 attack is low, you should be pre­ No Name Tumbling mountain streams, mossy Allow 45 minutes km) with 250 feet (75 m) gain in pared in case you do see one. Loop Trail cliffs, and dense mixed forests. to 1 hour elevation. Be aware, not scared. Trail climbs through ancient forest Total loop distance is 3.3 miles and meadows to the largest-diam­ (5.3 km). This is a strenuous hike Big Tree Allow 2-3 hours Most cougar and bear will try Loop Trail eter Douglas Fir known to exist in with 1,100 feet (335 m) gain in to avoid confrontation. Oregon. elevation. Never approach these ani­ Trail follows Cave Creek from the mals, especially one that is Cave Creek monument to the Forest Service Distance one way is 1.5 miles (2.4 Allow 1 hour feeding or with their young. Trail campground through a forest of oaks km), 800 feet gain in elevation. and conifers. Do Not Run. Stay calm. Hold Distance from USFS 070 junc­ your ground or back away Follows the Mountain Meadows tion loop is 4 miles (6.4 km) with slowly. Always give them a Bigelow Trail and Boundary Trail from road 700 feet (210 m) gain in elevation. Allow 4 to 6 hours way to escape. Lakes Loop depending on route Trail USFS 070 to Mt. Elijah, passing by From Visitor Center to Mt.. Elijah Bigelow Lakes up to Mt. Elijah. 4 miles with a 2,390 feet (730 m) If you have small children gain in elevation. with you, pick them up. Face the animal and stand Ranger Programs upright. Do all you can to ap­ During the summer months pear larger. Grab a stick. Raise Rangers share the stories of your arms. Oregon Caves' natural and If the animal behaves aggres­ cultural legacy. sively, wave your arms, shout, and throw objects at it. The Programs last 20 to 30 minutes goal is to convince it that you with different topics daily. are not prey and may be dan­ gerous yourself. Check the schedule in the Visitor Center for today's programs. If attacked, fight back! 6 Oregon Caves Monument News Lodging, Food, and Gifts can be found at the Chateau Lodging Food Service Gift Gallery Camping The Chateau has a range of rustic The Chateau offers lunch in the Sales items include crafts and art­ Cave Creek Campground is 4 miles rooms furnished with historic fur­ 1930s-style coffee shop and soda work made by local artisans. The from the monument and Grayback niture. It is open from mid-May to fountain, which serves soups, sand­ shop also has a deli with pre-made Campground is 8 miles from the the end of October. To make wiches, salads, and milk shakes. sandwiches, salads, and locally- monument. Reservations for their reservations phone (541) 592-3400 Fine dining is offered in the dining baked pasteries. Items such as sites are made through the Oregon or visit their web site at: room during summer months. snacks and beverages suitable for Caves Outfitters. For more infor­ www.oregoncavesoutfitters.com Reservations are recommended. taking on a hike are also available. mation call (541) 592-3400.

The Oregon Caves Natural History Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing educational and scientific activities within Oregon Caves National Monument and Crater Lake National Park.

The NHA invests funds generated from sales of items purchased at our park visitor center directly back into the park, providing services such as publishing park-related books and maps, printing this OKEGOn CAVES park newspaper, and purchasing equipment and materials for educational and scientific research pro­ NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION grams. Become a member of the Oregon Caves Natural History Association and learn more about the parks' natural and cultural resources. Yearly memberships can be purchased at the park visitor center or by mailing in the form below. Members of the association receive benefits including: • A 15% discount on purchases of books, videos, maps, and other sales items. Discounts from most park associations including those at Crater Lake, Redwood, Lassen, Mt. Rainier, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Yellowstone, and other national park sites The satisfaction of assisting the important educational and scientific programs of Oregon Caves National Monument and Crater Lake National Park. Oregon Caves Natural History Association PO Box 157 Books recommended by the Oregon Crater Lake, OR 97604 Caves Natural History Association: 541-592-2100 ext. 262 Children's Books and Games OFkEGOn CAVES Fax 541-594-3310 <> 5B ^ Into the Forest (game) $14.95 NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION The Tree in the Ancient Forest $ 7.95 Cave Mysteries Beneath Our Feet $15.95 Item Qty Price Total

Hiking Hiking Southern Oregon $18.95 Exploring Oregon's Wild Areas $18.95

Guides Pacific States Wildflowers $19.00 Trees to Know in Oregon $12.00 Pacific Coast Fern Finder $ 3.50 Wildflowers of Southern Oregon $18.95

General Reading Shipping Rates we use US Mail Purchase Subtotal Caving $19.95 Purchase up to $20.00 $6.00 Subtract 15% member Purchase $20.01-35.00 $7.00 discount Maps Purchase over $35.00 $8.00 Shipping Red Buttes Wilderness $ 4.50 Kalmiopsis Wilderness $ 6.00 With the purchase of a membership you will get a 15% discount on Siskiyou National Forest $ 6.00 this order. $10 Individual membership $15 Family membership Tax deductible contribution to further the goals of the History Domain of the Cavemen $ 9.95 Natural History Association (optional) TOTAL Great Lodges of the Nat'l Parks $35.00 Our National Parks $19.95 Please print clearly Name Address _ City I State/ Zip _ Phone E-mail Visa/ Master Card #_ Exp._ Cardholder Signature

Oregon Caves Monument News 7 Join us for an Introduction to Caving tour! Get off the beaten path and learn about caving tech­ trophobia, or if you have recently sustained Tentative niques, etiquette, and conservation. You will encoun­ whiplash. Participants must be at least five 2008 Regular Tour ter a variety of caving challenges, including climbing feet tall and not exceed a maximum size and descending over rocky slopes and boulders, requirement. Schedule crawling on hands and knees, crossing uneven sur­ Spring faces, and belly sliding. Participants must wear clothes that allow March 22 to May 23 a free range of movement and boots with 10:00AM to 4:00PM Due to the strenuous nature of the tour, participants traction and ankle support. Long sleeves must be in good physical condition and must be able and long pants are required. Do not wear May 24 to June 20 to support their body weight with their arms. This watches, jewelry, or other valuables on 9:00AM to 5:00PM tour is not recommended if you have a history of the tour. Safety equipment and caving Summer heart or respiratory problems, back, shoulder, or joint gear will be provided, including helmet, problems, if you are prone to panic attacks or claus- headlamp, kneepads, and gloves. Bring a June 21 to Sept. 1 change of clothes, for you will get muddy! 9:00AM to 6:00PM Fall Tours are offered Saturdays at 12:30PM, June 30 - Sept 1. Allow approximately Sept. 2 to Oct. 13 4 hours. 9:00AM to 5:00PM Tours are booked on a first-come, first- Oct. 14 to Oct. 26 served basis. Make reservations by 10:00AM to 4:00PM calling (541) 592-2100 ext. 237. Tour space is limited to 6 participants. Oct. 27 to Nov. 30 10:00AM to 4:00PM Minimum age: 15 years Closed on Thanksgiving For more information visit: Winter Some passages require participants to crawl on their belly. www.nps.gov/orca The height of the smallest spot is slightly greater than one foot. Cave Tours Closed Illinois Valley History Drive

Intersection of Highway 46 and US 199 The Highway 46 History Tour will point out some of the historical buildings and places from the town of Cave Junction up to Oregon Caves National Monument. If time allows, we encourage a side trip on the Holland Loop Road. The drive can be made in about an hour. NOTE: Most features pointed out on this drive are on private land. Please respect privacy and enjoy these historic features from the high­ way. If you stop, please find a place where you can park your vehicle off the road so it does not pose a hazard to passing vehicles. 4 Sucker Creek 6 Cave Creek Campground This stream was given the A beautiful campground that The tour begins as you turn on to Highway 46 from US 199 name "sucker" because miners remains one of the best kept secrets who first prospected on this creek in Oregon. The historic Oregon The first feature, about 200 feet 2 Powers Barn during the Oregon gold rush of Caves trail can be followed from from Highway 199, is the small The old bam on the comer of 1851 were from Illinois. Illinois is the campground to the monument. building on the right. This is the Smith Sawyer Road was construct­ known as the Sucker State. These It is a strenuous climb up but does first espresso coffee location in ed about 1885. There were no nails prospectors may have made the make a nice hike coming down if Josephine County, established in used in its construction. It was as­ first gold discoveries in Oregon you can arrange for someone to 1989. In the woods behind the sembled using hand hewn mortise history although it is more likely pick you up at the campground. coffee shop is the site of the Gate- and tenon joints with pegs holding their discovery was made simul­ Drive 2.4 miles to the next feature. Winthrow Lumber Mill. The foun­ the boards together. It's one of the taneously with the better known dation for the mill's steam engine oldest bams in Josephine County. discoveries on Josephine Creek can be seen near the back comer of Drive 1.5 miles to the next feature. near Eight Dollar Mountain. Drive 7 The Entrance the visitor center parking lot. The to mile post 12 for the next feature. Sign for mill closed in the 1950's. Oregon Caves is Drive 2.2 miles to the next feature. 5 Site of the Oregon Caves the original. It Civilian Conservation Corps 1 Legion Hall was installed by (CCC) Camp. The camp was The large cinder block build­ the Oregon Caves | opened from 1934 through 1942 ing on the left was an ice house and Powers Barn CCC in 1936. and housed a crew of 200 youth. meat locker built about 1945. It 3 Oregon Caves The road seen on They worked in this area during the went out of business in the 1950's Lumber Mill your left upon en­ winter and at Crater Lake National when households were able to The sharp curve at tering the monument's parking lot Park during the summer. They built get electricity to run refrigerators. this feature makes it is the route to take if you want to the Forest Service Guard Station Drive 1 mile to the next feature. a dangerous place hike the Bigelow Lakes Loop Trail. to look for while (the small bark sided structure) in Be certain to visit Oregon Caves' driving. Please find a safe place 1936. A scenic one mile loop trail National Historic Landmark, its to pull over to view it. The Oregon starts behind this cabin. rustic hotel named the Chateau. Caves Lumber Mill was located Drive 3.7 miles to next feature. on the left at this curve and began Legion Hall operation in the mid 1930's. The Thanks to the following people for scout­ last remaining teepee burner in ing and providing information about this the valley can be seen in the trees history loop: Kat Barnard, Ken Phillips, Don behind the open lot. Fulk,]ack Heald, Terry Bendack, Ted Gerber,Driv e 4.7 miles to the next feature. and Bob Kerivan. CCC group at Camp Oregon Caves 1940 8 Oregon Caves Monument News