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 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.