OREGON CAVES The Oregon Caves Park Brochure

Location and Importance

N southern Oregon, in Josephine County, 52 miles southwest of Grants Pass, are situated the Oregon Caves. The Caves are set aside as a national monument within the Siskiyou National Forest. The main entrance is on the west side of the divide between the Illinois and Applegate Rivers, about 4,000 feet above sea level and 1,500 feet below the main summit, at the head of Cave Creek. Jaoquin Miller, who thoroughly explored the Caves and wrote interestingly of them, liked to call them "the Marble Halls of Oregon." These caverns differ from other caves in the variety and beauty of the incrustatioms. They are formed, like most caves, in lime rock. Here, however, the rock is a high grade of marble; and the constant action of underground water through many thousands of years has resulted in a large number of unusual formations. The usual stalagmites and stalactites are found, and the marble has come to bear a more or less striking resemblance to a great variety of objects, all beautiful and interesting to the visitor.

The Oregon Caves are located in a heavily timbered region of southern Oregon

The view from the summit of the divide, about 3 miles distant from the entrance to the Caves, is out of the ordinary even for Oregon, where most striking mountain scenery is taken as a matter of course. In clear weather Mount Shasta to the south and great stretches of the Coast Range to the west and northwest, the Cascade Range to the east, and the Siskiyous nearer at hand are in view, and far to the west miles of the coast line of the Pacific Ocean may be seen. The places where such striking scenery is found, particularly at the end of a good automobile road, are rare.

The rustic chalet at the entrance to the Caves

A National Monument

Under authority of an Act of Congress of June 8, 1906, and on the recommendation of the Forest Service, President Taft, on July 10, 1909, proclaimed the Oregon Caves and 480 acres of land surrounding their main entrance a national monument. As such these interesting phenomena of nature are to be protected and developed for the enjoyment of the American people for all time. As the monument is located within the boundaries of the Siskiyou National Forest, it is administered by the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service for many years has spent considerable money to make these interesting caverns accessible to the public.

Bolan Lake in the Siskiyou, near the Oregon Caves

A Major Attraction

The special features of the Oregon Caves are the wonderful limestone formations which cover the ceilings, walls, and floors of most of the explored chambers. These assume odd, grotesque, and fantastic forms resembling draperies, flowers, fruits, vegetables, human forms and features, monsters, and gargoyles—suggesting a page of Albrecht Dürer's drawings. All is not fearsome, however, for here and there are exquisite miniatures, in sparkling beauty, of Niagaras, Gardens of Eden, and, high on the walls, mammouth cotton blossoms, whose petals when touched with metal ring out with a bell-like sweetness. Fantastic names are given to the main features and chambers—the Prison Cell, Satan's Backbone, the Music Room, the Bottomless Pit, the River Styx, the Heavenly Boudoir, Satan's Caldron, Lion's Jaw, etc.

Autos parked near entrance to Oregon Caves

Heretofore the exploration of the Caves has not been an easy matter. Not only was there a 6-mile mountain trail to be traveled, but one had to crawl and wriggle and work one's way through the caverns themselves. Now, however, through the work of the United States Forest Service, the Bureau of Public Roads, and the State of Oregon, the tourist may motor to the very doors of the Caves. He may now make the trip underground with far more comfort than formerly, for the Forest Service has not only put in iron ladders in place of the rickety wooden ones of former times, but has enlarged the passages and done away with most of the "wiggle holes." The Oregon Caves are destined to rank among the major scenic attractions of the State. In 1921 a total of 1,100 visitors registered at the Caves; in 1922, after the completion of the road, over 11,000 people visited the place and viewed these interesting underground wonders. In 1923, the number increased to 14,000, and in 1925, a total of 13,660 visitors registered there.

Historical

The Oregon Caves have been known since that August day in 1874 when Elijah Davidson went bear hunting. The story goes that after wounding an animal, he followed it to one of the entrances of the Caves, and thus the world came to know of this natural wonder. Later investigation proved that this entrance was the main one.

Joaquin Miller describes the discovery as follows:

His nephew, who, then a lad, was with him, told our party by our camp fire that his uncle shot a white-faced black bear not far away, that the dogs chased it to within a few rods of the main entrance; that they then killed and dressed the bear and that his uncle, a close observer, as all hunters are, seeing the beautiful stream at hand and yet seeing no hollow or draw from which it might flow, followed it up to the debouchement, and striking matches on the wall followed up the stream so far as he felt safe.

Soon after they were discovered the Caves became an attraction, and portions of them were explored and opened. Frank M. Nickerson, of Kirby, Oregon, found four different floors or levels in 1877 and opened a number of galleries which had been blocked by stalactites.

In 1884 two brothers attempted to acquire title to the Caves by "squatting" at the lower entrance. They expended funds and labor in enlarging passages and expected eventually to gain title to this natural wonder and reap a harvest. The region, however, was then too remote, the nearest railroad being 200 miles a way, and the "squatter's claim" was abandoned.

Later another attempt was made to open up and the Caves, this time by a party of California promoters, who dropped the plan after learning that the Caves were located in Oregon and not in California.

Then in April, 1903, a large region in that part of Oregon and California, was withdrawn from entry and named the Siskiyou National Forest.

A close-up of "The Bee Hive"

A Tragedy at the Caves

The rules requiring guides and lights and prohibiting the carrying of fire arms when visitors enter the Caves are considered essential. The only tragedy of the Caves was the result of having no guide, taking an insufficient number of lights, and carrying a revolver into the interior.

A good many years ago, before the Caves were under Government administration, a bridal party, for the novelty of the idea, visited the Caves and started through without a guide and with a small supply of candles. The groom carried a revolver, and no one ever knew just how it happened, whether he stumbled, or fell, but the revolver slipped out of his pocket and he was shot through the head. The party left the Caves and went for assistance to the nearest ranch house, miles down the mountain. A searching party was organized, and after some time the rescuers found the young bride, almost frantic with grief and fear, beside the dead body of her husband.

With the Government in charge and the rules strictly enforced, such unfortunate occurrences could not be repeated.

Well named "The Dragon's Mouth"

Geology of the Caves

Geologists say that sometime prior to the last glacial period the region in which the Caves are situated was warped and broken by the earth movements that are continually taking place, and great fissures were thereby left in the rocks. The melting glaciers which formerly covered this country were the sources of many powerful streams which exist no longer. Apparently one of these streams found its way through the Caves. This is shown by deposits of river gravel such as are found along all streams. The largest deposit of this gravel is on a bench behind the Ghost Room, the highest point yet found in the Caves. This stream, by dissolving the marble and carrying it away, enlarged and shaped the Caves into their present form. As the ages passed the glaciers and the streams that sprang from the glaciers disappeared, other earth movements changed the relative position of the various parts of the Caves, and the slow deposit of limestone, by the constant trickle of ground water, formed the incrustations that are now found. That there have been other earth movements since is shown by the offsets that occur in stalactites. These must necessarily grow perpendicularly; but there is at least one example where a very gradual slip has caused a stalactite and stalagmite that had united in the usual vertical relation to take on a distinct slant. The former is 4 or 5 inches to one side of the latter. This required a very long period, probably more than 30,000 years.

A roof overhung with glistening pendants

The interior of the Caves is practically lined with marble, which, as a geologist would explain, is "only limestone that has become hardened and crystallized by the action of those agents in the shell of the earth—heat, pressure, and circulating water." Ira A. Williams, late geologist of the Oregon State Bureau of Mines and Geology, writing of the healing process of water as exemplified in the Oregon Caves, says:

Water is the agent by which the healing process is carried on. It dissolves in places of plenty and transports to points of weakness, where it skillfully applies layer after layer, as a soothing lotion to an open sore. The jagged surfaces of rough rock walls are coated over, furrowed ceilings are smoothed out, floors harmoniously carpeted to match. In some places pillars rise from the floor or drop from the roof as though temporarily to steady a precarious span. And it seems to be characteristic of the manner in which this agent of restoration works, that there will be found at almost any stage the most exquisite surface finish. Ceilings and walls are frescoed with well-nigh unwarranted elegance; alcoves, balconies, and corridors are fringed with the most immaculate draperies, floors silk-lustered and never meant for the tread of feet. Ever dissatisfied, it would seem, with the results obtained, a fresh coat is put on, and then another, each differing from the one it covers up—not in substance, but varied in design infinitely or infinitesimally as the case may be.

On Brush Creek, 3-1/2 miles distant, another opening has been discovered. Five openings occur in a limestone cliff, with passages leading inward about 15 feet and there converging into one passage which may be followed for 200 feet, where it is blocked. To test the connection, it is said, fires were built in the Brush Creek entrance, and the smoke was found to fill the Ghost Room and issue from the Cave Creek entrance. The extent of the Caves can only be guessed at. The marble ledge in which they occur has been traced for many miles. However, the Caves are supplied with an abundance of fresh air at a uniform temperature, winter and summer, of 48° F.

Although the Mammouth Cave of Kentucky, the Luray Caverns in Virginia, and the Wind Cave in South Dakota are much larger than the Oregon Caves, it is said by competent observers that in none of these, or the other well-known caverns in this country, do the formations assume such grotesque, fantastic, and beautiful shapes.

"Niagara Falls."—A miniature in marble. Thoughtless visitors have defaced this beautiful formation, as well as others, by writing their names on it

How to Reach the Caves

The starting point for the trip to the Oregon Caves is Grants Pass, which is on the Southern Pacific Railroad and also on the Pacific Highway. At Grants Pass the Pacific Highway forks, the western branch, or Redwood Highway, leading to Crescent City and on south through the State of California, to San Francisco. Going south from Grants Pass one should follow the Redwood Highway to a point a few miles south of Kerby. About 2-1/2 miles south of Kerby one takes the left-hand road—the Caves Highway. This leads directly to the Caves, and the road is well posted all the way. The distance from Grants Pass to the Caves is 52 miles.

Further information as to the Oregon Caves and the roads thereto may be obtained from the Forest supervisor's office in Grants Pass or from "The Cavemen," a booster organization of the Grants Pass Chamber of Commerce.

One of the many curious formations—the "King's Palace"

Accommodations

From the National Forest boundary to the entrance to the Caves is a distance of 8.2 miles. The road, which was built in 1921-22, is on a good grade, has frequent turn-outs and a loop at the upper end near the Caves with parking space for 50 or 60 autos. As soon as the travel warrants it additional parking space will be provided. A very attractive chalet has been erected at the entrance to the Caves under a permit from the Forest Service, which regulates the use and protection of the caverns. Improvements for the accommodation of visitors at the Caves' entrances are being made each year, and the place has been equipped with rest rooms and restaurant; cottages with hot and cold water and private bath; a special parking ground for over-night guests; a nursery building, where small children may be left in care of a competent woman; a studio where a large collection of Caves pictures may be found. The kitchen and dining room at the Oregon Caves during the past several years have been in charge of members of the Home Economics Department of the Oregon Agricultural College.

The Caves are open to visitors from about May 15 to October 15. Reliable guide service is maintained at the Caves throughout this period. Lamps used in the caves must be smokeless, or practically so, and must throw a diffused, not a focussed light. Electric flash lamps are not satisfactory. Guarded lights and overalls may be procured for a small extra charge at the chalet. The trip through the Caves usually takes from two to three hours, and there is something new and unusual at every turn.

A tract of land on the Oregon Caves Road has been set aside by the Forest Service for public use.

There are charming and comfortable cottages at the Caves

In a beautiful little valley near-by several tracts have been set aside for the use of clubs or other organizations. Not far from the resort area and alongside the main road a large tract has been developed as a very attractive forest camp, by the construction of fireplaces, tables, and toilets for the free use of the public. As there was so little level land suitable for buildings or camping at the immediate entrance to the Caves the selection of this site became necessary. These places are within 8 miles, or about 25-minutes' drive by automobile, of the entrance to the Caves, and the arrangement enables tourists and visitors to make the trip to the Caves with the maximum of comfort. Camp supplies may be secured at near-by stores.

In the winter of 1921-22 Forest officers opened two hitherto unknown passages in the caves. One of these is that followed by the water from the largest known room—the so-called Ghost Room—in the upper Caves to the stream which flows out of the lower entrance. The other one extends from the Ghost Room in the general direction of the main galleries. Further exploration of the Caves will be made from time to time.

Needed Improvements

As soon as funds are available a more complete water system will be installed bringing an abundance of water from Lake Creek by means of a canal and flume about 3 miles in length. This will make it practicable to develop power for lighting the Caves. When it is no longer necessary for visitors to carry lamps, and when the large rooms and the curious formations are well lighted, the trip through the Caves will be much more enjoyable.

This whole region is of interest to travelers, and trips through the mountains to such points as Bolan and Tanner Lakes and Preston and Althouse Peaks are well worth taking. The panoramic views in all directions from these peaks are wonderful. A system of trails making these points accessible has already been started.

Called the "White House." Here some "John Jones" seeking to immortalize himself has defaced the interior by leaving his name

Special Features

The special points of interest in the interior of the Caves, named in the order in which, they occur on the usual trip are as follows:

Rules for Visitors to the Caves

1. The Caves must not be entered without a competent guide.

2. Children under 5 years of age or those who need to be carried are not permitted in the Caves.

3. Coveralls or rough clothes should be worn in the Caves.

4. Smoking and the use of unguarded lights are not allowed in the Caves.

5. Firearms must not be carried in the Caves.

6. Stalactites or other formations must not be broken.

7. Formations must not be defaced with names or other markings.

The Siskiyou National Forest

Covering for the most part the Siskiyou Mountains in southwestern Oregon and extending into California is an area of 1,669,522 acres of forest land known as the Siskiyou National Forest. This Forest, like most of the National Forests of the United States, was set aside for the two main purposes of growing timber and protecting watersheds. The Siskiyou Forest, roughly estimated, contains 12 billion feet board measure of timber. The ripe and overmature timber in this stand is being sold as the demand reaches it.

During a portion of the year much of the Forest affords range for cattle and horses. Approximately 3,350 head of cattle and horses are grazed within this Forest under permit, for which a fee was paid to the Government. As in the case of all national forests, 25 per cent of the receipts from the Siskiyou National Forest from the sales of timber, grazing fees, leases of Government land, and other sources is turned over directly to the counties in which the Forest lies for the building and maintenance of roads and schools. In addition to this 25 per cent, an additional 10 per cent of the Forest receipts is expended by the Forest Service for forest roads and trails in the region.

The Siskiyou Mountains have been and still are the scene of much mining activity, prospecting and mining being allowed within the National Forests as on the public domain.

The forest has always attracted hunters, fishermen, and campers, and now, with the construction of good roads, the automobilist has discovered some of the beauty spots of this region. The region has been known for many years because of the location here of the Oregon Caves.

The Siskiyou National Forest is administered by a Forest supervisor, whose headquarters is in Grants Pass, and by six district rangers, whose post office addresses are Agness, Takilma, Merlin, Waldo, Powers, and Harbor, Oregon.

It is the work of the Forest officers to administer these 1,669,522 acres of forest lands and protect the forests from fire. Protection of the forests from fire is the ranger's biggest and most important job, for each year many forest fires result from the carelessness, thoughtlessness, or ignorance of human beings. Over 70 per cent of the forest fires are caused by man, and therefore, are preventable. The National Forests are open for the enjoyment of the public, but in the Forest the public is most earnestly asked to be careful with campfires, matches, and the stubs of cigars and cigarettes. Campfire permits are required on the National Forests of Oregon and California.

"The Kiddy cave" where children are cared for while their parents go through the Caves

Rare Trees and Plants Native of the Siskiyou Region*

---

*Prepared by D. C. Ingram, Grazing Examiner.

---

The region about the Oregon Caves is exceptionally rich in unusual plant and tree life. It supports the remnants of an ancient flora which existed prior to the glacial period, resulting in the merging here of several previously distinct flora, from the north, from the Klamath Highlands, and from central and southern California. In addition to containing numerous trees and plants which are found only in the Siskiyou region, it is the northern limit of distribution of a number of plant and tree species and the southern limit of others.

Of the characteristic conifers of the region the most outstanding are the majestic redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) which reaches the northern limit of its range along the Oregon Coast west of the Caves; Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana), another commercially important conifer of limited range known botanically only along the coast in the western Siskiyous, and the exceedingly rare Brewer spruce (Picea breweriana) which has an even more restricted range in the high Siskiyous, in the immediate vicinity of the Oregon Caves.

Limber pine is found here although clearly out of its normal range, in the Rocky Mountains. Alaskan cedar (Chamaecyparis nootkatensis) is found occasionally on the highest peaks with dwarf juniper (Juniperus sibirica), this being the southern limit of these rare typically arctic species.

A most interesting group of Douglas firs is to be found very near to the Oregon Caves. A mile from the Caves there is one tree which measures nearly 14 feet in diameter, and is said to be one of the largest known trees of this species; it is probably more than one thousand years old.

Guides at the lower entrance to the Caves

Among the interesting shrubs may be mentioned two species of quinine bush (Garrya fremontii) and (G. buxifolia), the latter of very limited range in this region, and mountain balm (Eriodictyon glutinosum), all having important medicinal properties. The common sagebrush (Artemisa tridentata) and curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) of the interior basin are found in one locality only in the Siskiyous and are not found elsewhere in western Oregon. These are clearly remnants of the Klamath flora which at one time extended into this region.

The Exit—The upper of the two openings

The only true grape (Vitus californica) on the Pacific coast, which ranges as far north as the Umpqua River, is found in profusion in the lower valleys in the Siskiyou region. Four species of Oregon grape (the State flower of Oregon), though not a true viniferous grape, and entirely different shrubs of the Berberudaceae, are found in the same region, one of which (Berberis pumila) is found only in the Siskiyous, as is a local form of mahala mats or squaw carpet (Ceanothus pumilis). Another edible fruit worthy of mention and confined to southern Oregon and northern California is the Western plum (Prunus subcordata).

The oaks find expression here in seven species of which three, Sadler's oak, dwarf tan oak, and huckleberry oak are known only from this region. It is significant also that Brewer oak, canyon liveoak, and tan oak, as well as a willow reach the northern limit of their range here while Lyall's willow reaches the southern limit of its range in the Siskiyous.

The beauty and variety of the many flowering plants in the region of the Caves beggars description. Of the unusual plants Pitcher plant is found abundantly in bogs throughout the Siskiyous. Among other rare plants which are found only in this region may be mentioned Bog-asphodel with which the pitcher plant is often associated. California spikenard, a genus related to ginseng, Howell's horkelia, Macoun's ryegrass, Douglas's iris, Siskiyou orthocarp, dwarf mountain ash, and an exceedingly rare Amorpha (sp.?), the only one so far reported from Oregon, are found here. The beautiful snow flowers, or pine drops (Pterospora andromeda), are commonly found in the vicinity of the Caves.

Of peculiar interest is the fact that specimens of vigorous cyperus (Cyperus vegetus), one member of the sedge family, of which there are a number of commoner native brethren, have been collected only in this region. This plant, with the edible nutgrass or Chufa and the papyrus of Egypt, is an Old World species and is not listed apparently in any manual of American plants. Its presence nevertheless seems significant and adds to the interest of this remarkable region.

This list is by no means a complete one of the rare and unusual flora found, but will give some idea of the extraordinary interest this region contains for the botanist and plant lover.

Characteristic Birds and Mammals of the Siskiyou Region¹

---

¹Prepared by Stanley G. Jewett, U. S. Biological Survey.

---

The Siskiyou region in the vicinity of the Oregon Caves is of particular interest to the students of wildlife, inasmuch as this is the area of intergraduation between the north and south and the east and west. Several northern species reach the southern limit of their range in these mountains, while even a larger number from the south straggle northward to these mountains, and no farther.

The person studying animals will find a large variety of species ranging from the low warm valleys to the boreal zone in the higher mountains. Among those characteristic of the region. are the ring-tailed cat (Bassariscus astutus raptor), Pacific fisher (Martes pennanti pacifica), Siskiyou chipmunk (Eutamius townsendii siskiyou), silver gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus), Douglas pine squirrel (Sciurus douglasii), California weasel (Mustela xanthagenys), of the higher timbered mountains; while in the more open valleys at lower altitudes the California kangaroo rat (Dipodomys californica), beaver (Castor canadensis), Pacific mink (Mustela vison energumenos), Pacific raccoon (Procyon p. pacifica), and Townsend's gray fox (Urocyon c. townsendii), may be met with at any time.

One of the rarest, and having the most peculiar habits, is the long-tailed lemming mouse (Phenacomys longicauda), which is strictly arboreal in habits, building its nest of fine dry twigs and subsisting on the leaves of coniferous trees. This rare species is found in colonies on the more densely wooded slopes of the Siskiyou Mountains.

Those who seek larger game will find that the black-tailed deer (Odocoileus columbianus) and black bear (Ursus), can be found over most of the wooded areas, while the cougar or mountain lion (Felis oregonensis), and bobcat (Lynx pallescens), will be found in lesser numbers. The coyote (Canis lestes) ranges in considerable numbers over the open valleys and bald ridges throughout this entire region.

Other interesting species of fur bearers found in the territory are northwestern marten (Martes caurina), little spotted skunk (Spiogale latifroms), and the large striped skunk (Mephitis occidentalis).

Among smaller species inhabiting meadows are various species of shrews (Sorex), the cantankerous meadow mouse (Microtus mordax mordax), white-footed mouse (Peromyscus m. rubidus), and the Douglas ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi douglasii). During the evening various species of bats may be found flying about, of which the silver-haired bat (Lasionyteris noctivagans) is probably the most abundant, while during the night two species of the wood rats are busy carrying on the duties of their very active existence. Of the two species the dusky-footed wood rat (Neotoma fuscipes) builds a large nest of brush at the base of a tree, or sometimes as high as 20 feet above the ground among the thick branches, while the western bushy-tailed wood rat (Neotoma occidentalis) makes its home in hollow trees or deserted cabins.

BIRDS

No other part of the State of Oregon offers a finer opportunity for bird study than the Siskiyou Mountains, whether the student locates in the hot valleys or the summits of the higher mountains. In the timbered areas one may find the sierra grouse (Dendragapus obscura sierrae), a close relative of our common blue grouse. The blue-fronted jay (Cyanocitta stelleri frontalis) and the Oregon jay (Perisoreus oregonus), soon become familiar about one's camp, showing little fear of man if they are well treated, while the willow woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens turati) is busy gleaning his food, consisting of insects, from the willows and other deciduous growth along the streams. The gorgeously marked California woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus bairdii) is found in the oak areas more abundantly in the Siskiyou region than in any section in the State of Oregon. Other species which are common in this section, but rare in other parts of the State, are the lark sparrow (Chondestes strigatus), Thurber's junco (Junco oregonus thurberii), plain titmouse (Baeolophus inornatus), and California towhee (Pipilo crissalis).

The characteristic summer birds of the region (not a final list) are as follows: Western mourning dove (Zenaidura macroura marginella), sparrow hawk (Falco sparverius sparverius), Modoc hairy woodpecker (Dryobates vilosus orius), Sierra red-breasted sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius daggettii), Lewis woodpecker (Asyndesmus lewisii), red-shafted flicker (Colaptes cafer collaris), Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus), California jay (Aphelocoma californica californica), western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), Brewer's blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), house finch or California linnet (Carpodacus mexicanus frontalis), willow goldfinch (Astragalinus tristis salicamans), western chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina arizonae), western tanager (Piranga ludoviciana), western warbling vireo (Vireosylva gilva swainsonii), Cassin's vireo (Lanivireo solitarius cassinii), Townsend's warbler (Dendroica townsendii), chestnut sided chickadee (Penthestes rufescens rufescens), western golden-crowned kinglet (Regulus satrapa olivaceus), russet-backed thrush (Hylocichla ustulata ustulata), western robin (Planesticus migratorius propinquus), western bluebird (Sialia mexicana occidentalis).

Bibliography of the Oregon Caves

The Great Oregon Caves.—George M. Weister, Pacific Monthly, June, 1902, p. 47.

Oregon's Marble Halls.—Joaquin Miller, Sunset Magazine, September, 1909, p. 227.

Volcanic Cave Wonders of the Northwest.—Randle R. Howard, Pacific Monthly, June, 1911, p. 632.

The Oregon Caves.—Mary Henthorne, Mazama, Vol. 4, No. 2, December, 1913, p. 57.

The Oregon Caves.—F. M. Nickerson, Oregon Teachers Monthly, Vol. 19, September, 1914, p. 2.

Oregon Caves.—Ira A. William; reprinted from Natural History, Vol. 20, No. 4, 1920, p. 396.

Trip to Marble Caves of Oregon is Worth Effort.—Everett Earle Standard, Oregon Journal (Sunday), September 19, 1920.

Oregon—Her History, Her Great Men, Her Literature. John B. Horner, 1921, pp. 193-5.

The Oregon Caves.—The Volt, California-Oregon Power Co., April, 1922.

New Road Opens Oregon Caves—Oregonian (Sunday), Vol. 61, No. 31, July 30, 1922.

The Oregon Marble Caves (leaflet).—Oregon Tourist and Information Bureau, 1922.

"Marble Halls of Oregon."—Printed by P. P. Proctor, Grants Pass, Oreg.

Oregon Caves.—John D. Guthrie, Standard Oil Bulletin, California, May, 1922.

SIX RULES FOR PREVENTING FIRE IN THE FOREST

1. Matches.—Be sure your match is out. Break it in two before you throw it away.

2. Tobacco.—Be sure that pipe ashes and cigar or cigarette stubs are dead before throwing them away. Never throw them into brush, leaves, or needles.

3. Making Camp.—Before building a fire scrape away all inflammable material from a spot 5 feet in diameter. Dig a hole in the center and in it build your camp fire. Keep your fire small. Never build it against trees or logs or near brush.

4. Breaking Camp.—Never break camp until your fire is out—dead out.

5. Brush Burning.—Never burn slash or brush in windy weather or while there is the slightest danger that the fire will get away.

6. How to Put Out a Camp Fire.—Stir the coals while soaking them with water. Turn small sticks and drench both sides. Wet the ground around the fire. If you can't get water, stir in dirt and tread it down until packed tight over and around the fire. Be sure the last spark is dead.

REMEMBER

The National Forests contain immense amounts of valuable timber needed for the development of the country and large areas of valuable range, as well as the headwaters of important streams. They also are a part of the great recreation grounds of the Nation.

Damage to the Forests means loss to you as well as to thousands of others,

BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE.
DON'T POLLUTE THE STREAMS
LEAVE YOUR CAMP SITE CLEAN.

The National Forests belong to the people. Don't damage the Forests and impair the value of your own property.

This folder tells you about the recreation features of the Oregon Caves National Monument within the Siskiyou National Forest.

Take care of your fire and be sure that it is entirely out before you leave. Set an example for the other fellow.

Portion of Siskiyou National Forest. (click on image for PDF version)