Cliff Nature Trail

At only 1 mile in length, the Cliff Nature Trail may be the most scenic and appealing outdoor trail inside Oregon Caves National Monument. The trail itself is a loop with one end beginning at the trail sign immediately behind the visitor center and the other end adjacent to the entrance to the Cave Tour.

The best way to hike the Cliff Nature Trail might be joining it at the end of the Cave Tour hike. Rather than opting for the descending fork, which leads down a paved path back toward the visitor center, instead climb in elevation, essentially hugging the outside of the cave system before the trail emerges at a viewpoint with stone benches and a wide panoramic view across the Illinois Valley. Enjoy the vista, after which the trail descends back into the forest, eventually intersecting with the Big Tree Trail and returning to the visitor center.