The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument
Our visit to The
Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument.
This magnificent six story beauty was built to span a gorge and mountain stream at the Oregon
Caves National Monument.
This amazing accomplishment was created by self-taught builder and architect Gust Lium.
It was constructed from 1931 to completion in 1934. Final costs for the project are recorded as $50,000!
Most every bit of material is native to Oregon. From the cedar bark
on the outside to the massive double fireplace of marble carved from a
nearby hillside.
To the gigantic support logs and beams, and the rustic staircases of madrone, oak and fir.
Some of the flooring has been updated, due to past floods caused
by the normally tranquil stream that flows through the building.
Period "arts and craft" style furnishings abound. Even the hallways on the third floor guest quarters have the old style "crank telephones" for guests to contact the lobby.
Oh, did I mention it's haunted? The front desk still gets an occasional call with no one on the other
end -- They attribute that to the ghost of "Elizabeth" which we detail
in the
Ghosts In Southern Oregon National Monument!
The steel fire escapes came about after heavy winter snows ruined the wooden verandas.
The grounds, which include ponds, trout pools, waterfalls,
walkways, stone walls, and parapet walls were all constructed by the
Civilian Conservation Corps. The depression era C.C.C. camps were
responsible for so much beautiful construction across our nation that
could never have been accomplished otherwise.
This place is a marvel in itself, and combine that with the cave
tours, mountain hikes and the fine food, you must put this on your
itinerary!
If you visit their gift shop, you will find many unique, locally made products and other souvenirs.
Want a one of a kind chair made out of a monstrous madrone burl? Only $3,000, and the
Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument will part with it! No, it won't fit in your trunk.
The Coffee Shop hasn't changed much since 1937! Brick and maple
counters, and knotty-pine paneling are unchanged. Coke still dominates
the walls, although it no longer contains cocaine as the original
formula did. The Coffee Shop is a perfect place to stop after touring
the Caves. Try one of their huge, old-fashioned banana splits, or a
great burger, fries and a Coke.
A visit to our historic chateau allows one to step back in time to
view life as our grandparents and great-grandparents experienced when
they took a trip to the
Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument!
