Chateau

The Chateau at Oregon Caves: "A Cool Cave with a Warm Hearth"

The Chateau at Oregon Caves National Monument is one of the National Park's iconic Great Lodges and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. This six-story hotel offers a fine dining room, a 1930s-era coffee shop, and 23 unique rooms, each with its own charm. Currently, the Chateau is closed for a large-scale rehabilitation project that focuses on addressing safety concerns and enhancing accessibility. Lodging and food services are temporarily unavailable, but cave tours continue during the spring, summer, and fall.

Construction of the Chateau

Completed in 1934, the Chateau was designed by local builder Gust Lium, following the vision of landscape architect Arthur Peck. The structure’s use of local materials, including Port Orford cedar bark and marble from the cave itself, showcases a harmonious blend with the surrounding environment, consistent with the rustic architectural style seen in national parks. After its completion, the Chalet next door became a gift shop and residence for cave guides.

The original concessionaire that operated both the Chalet and Chateau invested heavily in these projects and was rewarded with a contract to run the cave tours. The National Park Service took over cave tour operations in 2001.

Monterey Furniture

A standout feature of the Chateau is its collection of Monterey furniture, crafted by the Mason Manufacturing Company of Los Angeles. These pieces, made primarily from Oregon alder wood, were hand-painted with unique floral designs by the craftsmen. Over the years, some of these designs have faded or been altered, but you can still find traces of the original patterns in certain pieces.

Learn More about Monterey Furniture

Restoration Efforts

The Chateau is currently undergoing a comprehensive rehabilitation project to preserve its historic integrity while modernizing it to meet contemporary safety and accessibility standards. This includes the installation of fire suppression systems, emergency lighting, an elevator for improved accessibility, and seismic reinforcements to ensure the building's stability in case of an earthquake. Despite these updates, the project is dedicated to retaining the building’s original charm and architectural significance.

A Walk Through History

When the Chateau reopens, visitors are encouraged to explore the beautiful interior, even if not staying overnight. The rustic architecture, with its locally sourced materials and historical furniture, offers a glimpse into the past and a chance to appreciate the legacy of those who built and preserved this remarkable structure.