Sea Lion Caves
Florence, OR, from $18
An archaeological cave in Oregon visited only on reserved state park tours from late April to June; its location isn't shared.
The story
In 1938 University of Oregon archaeologist Luther Cressman excavated the cave and found dozens of sandals woven from sagebrush bark under a layer of volcanic ash. Radiocarbon dating later showed some were over 10,000 years old, among the oldest directly dated shoes in the world. Fort Rock Cave was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
History source: stateparks.oregon.gov and the Oregon Encyclopedia.
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Late April to mid/late June, weather permitting. Dates are released in two rounds from January.
- Booking
- Reservations required; guided state park tour only. General info 800-551-6949.
Getting there
Fort Rock Cave is in Oregon.
- Portlandabout 167 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- No photos at the cave site.
Questions people ask
Do you need to book Fort Rock Cave in advance?
Reservations required; guided state park tour only. General info 800-551-6949.
Checked on 2026-10-22 against stateparks.oregon.gov (Fort Rock Cave page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.