Fees & Passes

 

Changes to Entrance Fees and Passes in 2026

Learn about a few upcoming changes to entrance fees and passes for non-US residents and motorcycles that begin on January 1, 2026.

Plan Your Visit

Key Information

  1. Timed tickets are required for cave tours

    The National Park Service does not collect an entrance fee at this park, but the cave itself is only accessible by guided tour. Reservations are recommended but not required. During summer months long wait times and sell outs may occur. Daily tours are scheduled to resume on Saturday, March 21, 2026 (subject to change).

    Reservations and timed entry

  2. Plan to go cashless

    This park does not accept cash.

Reservations and Timed Entry

Discovery Cave Tour Reservation

Mar 21–Dec 31

Book now
Cost
$20.00
Offered Thursday through Monday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Duration: 90 minutes. Difficulty: Moderately strenuous. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth (15 and under, must be at least 42 inches tall), $10 for America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only) and America the Beautiful Annual Pass holders (discount applies to the cardholder only), and $7.50 for youths with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Candlelight Cave Tour Reservation

Mar 21–Dec 31

Book now
Cost
$20.00
This 60-minute guided tour offers a unique experience, illuminating the cave’s features by candlelight. The tour is moderately strenuous, and participants must be 10 years or older to join. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 10 to 15), $10 for America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only) and America the Beautiful Annual Pass holders (discount applies to the cardholder only), and $7.50 for youths with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass.

Kids & Family Cave Tour Reservation

Mar 21–Dec 31

Book now
Cost
$20.00
Designed for families with children. Duration: 90 minutes. Difficulty: moderately strenuous. At least one child must be in the group, and all children must be over 42 inches tall. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for youth (ages 15 and under), $10 for America the Beautiful Senior Pass holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only) and America the Beautiful Annual Pass holders (discount applies to the cardholder only), and $7.50 for youths with an America the Beautiful Annual Pass.
The National Park Service does not collect an entrance fee at this park, but the cave itself is only accessible by guided tour. The America the Beautiful Annual and Military Passes do not apply to tour fees. The America the Beautiful Access and Senior Passes provide a 50% discount on all applicable tours, but the discount applies only to the cardholder. Passes and valid photo identification must be presented at check-in, including for reserved tours.

2026 Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Come experience the national parks! All National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone (other fees, including timed entry or reservation fees, may apply). Mark your calendar for these entrance fee-free dates:

Beginning in 2026, free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees.

 

Interagency Pass Information

The Interagency Annual Pass and Interagency Annual Pass for Active Duty U.S. Military apply only to park entrance fees and do not cover cave tour fees. (Note: Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve does not charge an entrance fee.)

The Interagency Access Pass and Interagency Senior Pass provide a 50% discount on all applicable tours, but the discount applies only to the cardholder. Passes and valid photo identification must be presented at check-in, including for reserved tours.

For more details or to purchase an Interagency Pass, visit the America the Beautiful Passes page.

 

Plan Your Cave Adventure: Tours, Fees, and Reservations

Cave tours are closed for the winter.


Explore Oregon Caves
The cave is only accessible by guided tour. Reservations are recommended but not required. During summer months long wait times and sell outs may occur. Check fees and requirements, then reserve your spot to begin your underground adventure!

  • Daily Tours: Daily tours are scheduled to resume on Saturday, March 21, 2026 (subject to change).

Important Information

  • Card Payments Only – All cave tour and campground fees must be paid by credit or debit card; cash is not accepted.

  • Everyone Must Check In – All party members must be present to receive important cave safety and bat-protection information.

  • Guided Tours Required – Park entry is free, but cave access is only available via a guided tour.

 

Discovery Cave Tour

Tour Prices:

  • $20.00 – Adults (ages 16 and over)
  • $15.00 – Youth (ages 15 and under; must be at least 42 inches tall)
  • $10.00 – Interagency Senior Pass Holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only)
  • $10.00 Adults / $7.50 Youth – With Interagency Access Pass (discount applies to the cardholder only)

Days and Times:

  • Cave tours are closed for the winter.
  • Tours are expected to return Saturday, March 21, 2026 (subject to change), Thursday through Monday, closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • First tour: 10:00 AM
  • Last tour: 4:00 PM
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Difficulty: Moderately strenuous

Reservations and Ticketing:

  • Reserve in advance at Recreation.gov to guarantee your spot.

  • Same-day, first-come, first-served tickets are available at park visitor centers, but they sometimes sell out during summer months.

  • To avoid long waits or disappointment, we strongly recommend purchasing tickets at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center in Cave Junction before making the long drive to the park.

Group Information:

Discovery Cave tours are limited to 12 people per tour. If you have a larger group, call 541-592-5125 in advance to explore options for back-to-back tours.

 

Candlelight Cave Tour

Tour Prices:

  • $20.00 – Adults (ages 16 and over)
  • $15.00 – Youth (ages 10 to 15)
  • $10.00 – Interagency Senior Pass Holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only)
  • $10.00 Adults / $7.50 Children – With Interagency Access Pass (discount applies to the cardholder only)

Tour Details:

This 60-minute guided tour offers a unique experience, illuminating the cave’s features by candlelight. The tour is moderately strenuous and participants must be 10 years or older to join.

Reservations and Additional Information:

Advance reservations are recommended and can be made at Recreation.gov. For more details, visit the Candlelight Cave Tour page.

 

Kids and Family Tour

Tour Prices:

  • $20.00 – Adults (ages 16 and over)
  • $15.00 – Youth (ages 15 and under; must be at least 42 inches tall)
  • $10.00 – Interagency Senior Pass Holders (ages 62 and over; discount applies to the cardholder only)
  • $10.00 Adults / $7.50 Children – With Interagency Access Pass (discount applies to the cardholder only)

Tour Details:

Designed for families with children, this 90-minute guided tour is a fun and educational way to explore the caves. The experience is moderately strenuous. At least one child must be in the group, and all children must be over 42 inches tall to participate.

Reservations and Additional Information:

Reservations are required and can be made at Recreation.gov. For more details, visit the Kids and Family Tour page.

 

Off-Trail Caving Tour

Tour Price:

  • $65.00 – Ages 15 and over

Tour Details:

Off-Trail Caving Adventure
Ready for a thrill? This 3-hour guided tour takes adventure seekers beyond the usual path for a deeper, more immersive exploration of Oregon Caves’ hidden passages. Led by experienced cavers, you’ll crawl, climb, and squeeze through tight spaces—so bring your sense of adventure and be prepared for a physically challenging experience you won’t forget!

Reservations and Additional Information:

Reservations are required and can be made at Recreation.gov. For more details, visit the Off-Trail Caving Tour page.

 

Education Groups

Accredited school groups visiting for educational purposes may be eligible for a fee waiver. This waiver is designed to support curriculum-based learning by providing students with the opportunity to explore the monument and preserve as part of their studies.

For more information or to apply, visit our Education Page or contact the education coordinator at:

Email: orca_educ_program@nps.gov

Last updated: December 23, 2025

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

19000 Caves Hwy
Cave Junction, OR 97523

Phone:

541 592-5125

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