A beloved Southern Oregon landmark is once again in the spotlight — this time, as one of the most endangered historic places in America.

The Oregon Caves Chateau, a nearly century-old lodge tucked away in the Siskiyou Mountains near Cave Junction, was officially named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2025 list of “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.” The news was first reported by KOIN News, and it marks a pivotal moment in the Chateau’s long and storied legacy.

Built in 1934 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987, the Chateau is one of the finest remaining examples of “Parkitecture” — a rustic architectural style that harmonizes man-made structures with the surrounding natural landscape. The Chateau was designed by architect and builder Gust Lium, using native materials such as Port Orford cedar and local stone to create a six-story wooden structure that appears to emerge organically from the forested hillside above the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve.

Inside, the lodge features original Monterey furniture — in fact, it houses the most extensive public collection of historic Monterey furniture in the United States — along with a dining room where a natural stream runs directly through the floor.

While the Chateau was once a popular overnight destination and a crucial economic driver for the Cave Junction area, it has remained closed since 2018 due to a large-scale rehabilitation project launched by the National Park Service. The restoration effort was initially scheduled for completion by 2023, but years later, the building remains shuttered.

According to the National Trust, the continued closure is now threatening both the physical integrity of the Chateau and the economic well-being of the local community, which has long depended on tourism generated by the monument.

“The ongoing closure of the Chateau is significantly impacting the local economy and the region,” the Trust wrote. “The community is concerned that a prolonged closure could leave the Chateau vulnerable to weather damage and deterioration.”

A Place Close to Our Hearts

Here at That Oregon Life, the Chateau holds a special place in our history. Back in 2017, we featured the lodge in an article titled “This Historic Oregon Lodge is the Perfect Getaway” — celebrating it as one of Oregon’s most enchanting hidden gems. We explored its 23 uniquely charming guest rooms, vintage 1930s coffee shop, and proximity to the awe-inspiring Oregon Caves.

It’s not just a lodge — it’s an experience. Guests who once stayed there described it as stepping back in time, immersed in handcrafted details, forested views, and the cool, damp air of subterranean wonders just a short walk away.

The Chateau’s architectural style and location make it one-of-a-kind — something that’s not just irreplaceable to Southern Oregon, but to the entire country’s cultural fabric.

With the Chateau now included on the National Trust’s annual list — alongside endangered landmarks like California’s Terminal Island Tuna Street Buildings and Arizona’s Mystery Castle — preservation advocates are urging immediate action.

Local group Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau has convened a coalition of public officials, stakeholders, and supporters to raise funds and awareness. Meanwhile, the National Park Service has stated that renovations are continuing, with the goal of eventually reopening the historic lodge with modern safety and accessibility features in place.

Until then, the monument itself remains open for guided cave tours and camping, but the heart of the experience — the Chateau — remains quiet.

Oregon has no shortage of scenic places to visit, but few carry the historical weight and nostalgic charm of the Oregon Caves Chateau. Its continued closure threatens not only a rare architectural treasure but a legacy that belongs to all Oregonians.

If you’ve ever stayed at the Chateau, visited the Oregon Caves, or simply admired this rustic masterpiece from afar, now is the time to show support. Whether through donations, spreading awareness, or contacting local officials, helping save the Chateau is helping preserve a piece of Oregon’s soul.

Stay tuned to That Oregon Life as we continue to follow this story — and advocate for the protection of the places that make Oregon truly one-of-a-kind.