Chateau at The Oregon Caves

This historic lodge, built in 1934, retains its original charm. Designed and built in a marble canyon, the six-story Chateau at the Oregon Caves National Monument has  rustic charm in a serene wooded setting. The Oregon Public Broadcasting special “Great Lodges of the National Parks” describes the Chateau as “one of the most architecturally exciting lodges in the entire Parks system.” Crossing the span of a woodland ravine, the Chateau makes exceptional use of the land’s natural contours, and a stream runs through the dining room. The lodge was designed and built by local folks, with an emphasis on natural materials. Much of the building’s original siding of shaggy Port Orford Cedar bark is still intact after 75 years.  Not only is the area breathtaking and the Chateau magnificent, but you can also explore a cave, hike through the forest, tour or stay overnight in this historic lodge and participate in Ranger-guided activities, all at the Oregon Caves National Monument.

The Chateau is a National Landmark, one of the highest honors a building can be given.  It was built during the Great Depression and shows ingenuity, determination and an extraordinary feat of engineering in an area that at the time was without any conveniences or even roads.  Everything was accomplished by using what they had on site or by using pack mules to haul in what they needed from miles away on small trails. The Chateau is used to teach visitors and local schools how important it is to be good stewards of the surrounding natural resources. Volunteers come throughout the year to assist in cave clean-up and preservation.

• Seasonal access, April to November
• Visitor center nearby
• Guided tours available
• Fee required for lodging