Accessibility

Accessibility at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is committed to ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all visitors. Below is important information to help make your visit accessible and safe.

Cave Accessibility

The cave tour is physically demanding and requires navigating narrow, twisting passages. This includes an 88-foot (27-meter) passageway with ceilings as low as 45 inches (114 cm) and over 520 steps, many of which are steep, uneven, and without handrails.

To ensure safety, all visitors must demonstrate the ability to crouch to 45 inches (114 cm) and take a few steps before the tour begins. If unable to do so, you are welcome to explore Watson’s Grotto, the first room of the cave, which is 75 feet (23 meters) from the entrance and requires stooping as low as 51 inches (130 cm).

This tour is moderately strenuous and is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, breathing issues, balance problems, or difficulty walking. For those unable to complete the tour, a tactile exhibit in the Visitor Center offers an alternative way to experience the cave’s features.

Use of Mobility Devices

Watson's Grotto is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs, walkers, scooters, or other mobility devices. Unfortunately, the rest of the cave is too narrow to accommodate these devices. Rangers are happy to guide visitors using mobility aids through Watson’s Grotto.

Walking sticks or canes are only allowed if medically necessary. Due to cave features like grates, crevices, and low ceilings, walking sticks must be at least one inch in diameter and no more than 45 inches in length for safety reasons.

Service Animals

Service animals, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), are welcome in many areas of the park, including the Visitor Center, Chateau, and Cave Trail. However, due to safety hazards like steep drop-offs and narrow spaces, service animals are not allowed on off-trail cave tours.

Service animals must be leashed or harnessed unless such devices interfere with their work. In that case, the owner must maintain control of the animal through voice or signals. Therapy or emotional support animals, which are not considered service animals under ADA, are not allowed in areas where pets are prohibited.

Please note: The cave trail has grated floors and stairs, which may be uncomfortable for service animals. Owners are responsible for packing out any waste, as there are no trash cans on the cave route.

For more information about service animals, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act website.

Sign Language Accommodations

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve strives to make the park accessible to all visitors, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. While the park does not have a sign language interpreter on-site, we are happy to assist in arranging an interpreter for your visit.

To Request a Sign Language Interpreter:
Please contact the park well in advance of your planned visit. Special arrangements can typically be made to ensure an interpreter is available on the day of your visit. The more notice you provide, the better we can accommodate your request.

Accessibility Around the Park

Parking

Accessible parking spots are available in both the lower and upper parking lots, including near the Visitor Center and the Chateau. These spots are clearly marked with blue reserved signs.

Visitor Center and Chateau

Both the Oregon Caves Visitor Center and the Chateau are wheelchair accessible through the use of portable ramps. Park staff will be happy to set these up upon request. Please keep in mind that these buildings were constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, so they may have some limitations due to their historic nature.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve is dedicated to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors. We are happy to assist with any special needs to ensure your visit is enjoyable and accessible.

 

National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass - Access Pass

The Interagency Access Pass is a free lifetime pass available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a medically determined permanent disability. This pass grants free entry to Federal recreation sites that charge an entrance fee and offers a 50% discount on Standard Amenity Fees. These fees typically include services like camping, boat launches, and specialized interpretive tours, such as those at Oregon Caves. The discount applies only to the pass holder.

Eligibility and Required Documentation

To obtain the Access Pass, proof of U.S. residency and documentation of the applicant's permanent disability are required. Acceptable documentation includes:

• A statement from a licensed physician
• A document from a Federal agency, such as the Veteran's Administration or the Social Security Administration (disability or supplemental security income statements)
• A document issued by a State agency for vocational rehabilitation

Please note that state motor vehicle disability hangtags are not accepted as proof of disability.

Important Notes

• The Access Pass does not cover special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires.
• The pass is valid for the lifetime of the pass holder and is non-transferable.

The pass provides a valuable opportunity for those with disabilities to enjoy the great outdoors at a reduced cost, enhancing access to the beauty and history of sites like Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve.