Top 10 Caves コーストレンジでの

Named for its impressive group of three closely situated monoliths, two land-based and one rising from the sea, this state park features a short trail leading to the beach with an interesting sea cave. There are beautiful ocean views in every direction, and the impressive volcanic formations offer a glimpse into the region's geological past.

The Oregon Caves Visitor Center is open from spring through fall. It offers cave tour ticket sales, information, exhibits on the Oregon Caves and Siskiyou Mountains, Junior Ranger programs, and a bookstore. Visitors can access several popular hiking trails from here, including the Cliff Nature Trail and Big Tree Trail. The visitor center is also where you meet for guided cave tours. The caves are only accessible if you are a part of a guided tour with a ranger (please visit https://www.nps.gov/orca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm for more information on the cave tours). Due to high demand in summer, it is recommended to check current conditions and purchase tickets at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center, which is located in Cave Junction at the bottom of Cave Highway.

Prepare for cold knee deep water and stony ground. It is best to take the entrance from the other side of the cave. A headlamp comes in handy later on since the caves are very dark.

This is one of the easiest waterfalls to visit, particularly considering it's located near the rugged Sespe Wilderness. "Easy" being a relative term depending on how far you traveled to get here. Rose Valley Falls has a drop of around 80ft and an upper drop of approx 100ft. It also features a small cave where it was possible to crawl in one side and crawl out the other side behind the foot of the waterfall. Access is currently open (Jan'24), but check before traveling: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/lpnf/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5309152

The Wind Caves are part of an area called Rock City in the Mount Diablo State Park. The Wind Caves are unique sandstone caves and tunnels that were formed by wind erosion over time. The caves vary in size, providing opportunities for hikers to wander through and appreciate the sculpted rock.

This once 150-foot-deep air shaft was put in place to ventilate a coal mine to keep it free from dangerous gasses. There is a short tunnel to access the interior and get a closer look. On the excavation sides, there is still evidence of marks left by the picks from miners.

The origin of this unusual little underground dwelling is unknown. You can see a round stovepipe hole, a square skylight, and a shelf opening from the interior.

This well-maintained trail offers fantastic views of the San Francisco Bay, Mount Diablo, the Livermore Valley and the Sacramento River Delta. In the spring, many wildflowers bloom on the green hillsides, with lupine and golden poppies blooming as late as October. Any time of year is beautiful here, encouraging you to take a break from the steep climb and take a few gorgeous photos.