Oregon Caves Chateau Named One of America’s
11 Most Endangered Historic Places

The National Trust for Historic Preservation today recognized the national significance and urgent preservation needs for the Oregon Caves Chateau and named it one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2025. The Chateau, one of the nation’s great historic lodges, is located in the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve in rural southwestern Oregon. The need for restoration and re-investment placed it on Restore Oregon’s statewide Most Endangered Places program. And, over the last year, we have worked closely with the Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau (Friends) on securing the “11 Most” designation to bring the Chateau’s plight to our nation’s attention.

The Oregon Caves Chateau

Photos by Harley Cowan

 

"The Oregon Caves Chateau is the first place in Oregon to be included on the list of America's 11 Most Endangered Places since the program's inception in 1988, and I can't think of a better site to exemplify how preservation can serve the public. Reactivating this extraordinary landmark protects Oregon's distinctive architectural landscape while also revitalizing economies of nearby rural communities," said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation 

Early this afternoon, the Friends will host a launch event in Salem with Governor Tina Kotek, First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and many members of the Friends’ Blue-Ribbon Committee, which includes Restore Oregon. More on this important news for Oregon will appear in our May monthly digital edition of FieldNotes.

The Oregon Caves Chateau

Photos by Sarah Cowan

 

Learn more about the Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau

https://friendsocac.org/

 

Learn more about the Chateau and why it was selected for this year’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places here.

Learn more about Restore Oregon’s Most Endangered Places program https://restoreoregon.org/saving-oregons-most-endangered-places/


Ways to support the Oregon Caves Chateau include sending photos and stories of your past visits to Sue@FriendsOCAC.org; take a cave tour this summer (NPS website); join the Friends for a celebration event on July 12th; and make a donation to the Friends of the Oregon Caves & Chateau  and Restore Oregon to assist in the collaborative effort.