Did you know that one of Oregon’s most beautiful treasures is actually hiding underground?

Located within the Oregon Caves National Monument, the River Styx is an otherworldly subterranean stream flowing under our state. It breached the surface of the earth thousands of years ago, and in the process caused the caves to form as they did. Not only is this river eerily beautiful, it is also an incredibly special natural wonder. The River Styx is the nation’s first — and only — underground river to be protected by Congress under the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Take a look:

This reclusive river flows through the Oregon Caves National Monument in Southern Oregon. It created magical tunnels and caverns when it breached the surface thousands of years ago.

NPS.gov/National Park Service The river is named after a mythical Greek location. In Greek mythology, the River Styx formed the border between earth and the underworld.

Due to changes in climate, the water level inside the cave has changed many times over the centuries. It was was once much deeper than it currently is.

Trip Advisor/Steve1362 The water flows for approximately 0.4 miles underground.

Here, you can see the point where the river flows aboveground. Once the water reaches the surface, it is referred to as Cave Creek.

Flickr/Oregon Caves This water drains into the Illinois River before joining the Rogue River, and eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Visitors to the caves can actually walk over the River Styx by taking a guided tour.

Flickr/Oregon Caves Tours are offered daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fall season runs from September 5, 2017 to November 5, 2017. For more information, visit the National Parks Service’s official website.

Oregon sure is full of surprises. Did you know that this river was flowing underground? What do you think about it? We’d love to hear your thoughts! For more amazing Oregon nature, be sure to check out this list.

NPS.gov/National Park Service

The river is named after a mythical Greek location. In Greek mythology, the River Styx formed the border between earth and the underworld.

Trip Advisor/Steve1362

The water flows for approximately 0.4 miles underground.

Flickr/Oregon Caves

This water drains into the Illinois River before joining the Rogue River, and eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean.

Tours are offered daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The fall season runs from September 5, 2017 to November 5, 2017. For more information, visit the National Parks Service’s official website.

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