The Remarkable History of Fort Rock Cave In Oregon Spans From Ancient Times To Modern Day
By Catherine Armstrong|Published March 10, 2020
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
Oregon has a rich history, and we love the tales about the Oregon trail, and the hardy pioneers who arrived in the 1800s. We’re also fascinated by the Beaver State’s native people who lived here long before white settlers showed up.
The history of humans in Oregon goes way back, and archaeologists can help us understand a little bit about how they lived. Back in 1938, one archaeologist made a ground-breaking discovery in a little cave, and today you can tour the cave to learn even more. Check out Fort Rock Cave:
The Fort Rock Basin in central Oregon was once home to a huge, prehistoric lake.
Fort Rock is large, distinctive rock formation that stands 200 feet tall and measures around 4,460 feet in diameter. Fort Rock is not the site of Fort Rock Cave, which is 1.5 miles away.
In addition to being the site of the iconic Fort Rock, the 1,500-acre valley is covered with more than 30 rock formations that were created by hydrovolcanic activity around 50,000 to 100,000 years ago.
This photo of Fort Cave was taken in the 1960s, during an excavation.
During his first excavation of the cave, Cressman found several pairs of sandals made of sagebrush bark. The distinctive sandals are around 10,000 years old. They're currently housed at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
The Oregon State Park system offers two-hour, guided tours with an admission cost of $10 per person. Advanced reservations are required, and can be made here. You'll meet up with a ranger at Fort Rock State Natural Area, and will then be transported to the cave via van. Learn all about the history of the cave and the archaeological treasures found there.
The public is not allowed at Fort Rock Cave, other than with a park ranger on an official tour. The recent photos in this article are of Fort Rock itself – not the cave. The cave’s location is not disclosed here, in order to protect it from unwelcome guests.
Have you visited Fort Rock Cave? Tell us about your adventure there!
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