Fort Rock Cave, Archaeological cave in Lake County, Oregon
Fort Rock Cave is an archaeological site in Lake County, Oregon, extending roughly 70 feet across and reaching about 60 feet deep into a volcanic butte. The cave sits near a volcanic crater formation and contains layers of soil and ash that preserve evidence of ancient human activity.
Excavations in 1938 uncovered many ancient sandals and tools buried beneath volcanic ash from Mount Mazama's eruption around 7,600 years ago. These discoveries allowed researchers to understand how people lived in this region during the early stone age.
The cave holds evidence of people who lived here long ago, visible through their sandals woven from sagebrush fibers, wooden tools, shell ornaments, and stone objects. These items show how inhabitants used this shelter and made things from materials they found nearby.
Visiting requires planning ahead, as access is controlled through the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, which organizes guided tours of the site. Check current conditions and booking requirements before you go to ensure you can experience this protected archaeological location.
The sandals discovered here have distinctive flat soles with five rope warps and weft fibers arranged in a specific way that archaeologists use to identify similar finds across the broader region. This particular style became a reference point for dating and understanding ancient cultures throughout the Great Basin area.
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