The Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum is a 501C3 nonprofit organization based in Cave Junction, Oregon. Its main organizers and board members include many of the original Siskiyou Smokejumpers as well as community members and aviation enthusiasts alike.Put Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum on your schedule, and learn what else deserves a visit by using our Cave Junction trip builder.
The Siskiyou Smokejumper Base (affectionately called "The Gobi" by former firefighters) was operational as a Forest Service smokejumper fire base from 1943-1981. The entire airport and base were given to Josephine County in 1987 and over the years the buildings slowly deteriorated due to insufficient care. After going through several different business leases, county officials and the former county airport manager wanted to bulldoze the entire base and all the trees that the jumpers had planted during their time there, thereby destroying a unique and important piece of the pacific northwest's cultural heritage. At this time, the close-knit Gobi jumpers along with community advocates pulled together to save and restore the beloved base to its original condition, and to preserve its future by sharing their stories of lifelong friendship and career heroism against the odds.
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Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum reviews
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A wonderful tour of the museum. Everything on display was perfect for illustrating the service of the smoke jumpers. A gem!
A wonderful tour of the museum. Everything on display was perfect for illustrating the service of the smoke jumpers. A gem! more »
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We saw the sign for this museum on Hw 199 just outside Cave Junction. No one was there but the note on the door said to call. Gary Buck, answered and said he would be there in 4 min. Gary was a...
We saw the sign for this museum on Hw 199 just outside Cave Junction. No one was there but the note on the door said to call. Gary Buck, answered and said he would be there in 4 min. Gary was a... more »
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So glad we made this stop. Within a few minutes of arriving, Gary arrived and gave us a very thorough history, along with many personal stories. Much of the museum is maintained by volunteers (former jumpers, or their family), so its small but passionate. We stayed for ~1.5 hours, with a small gift store selection at the end of the tour with a donation box.
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Very cool and educational. It is absolutely worth going off for! No one was there when we arrived but we called the number on the door then Dan showed up within 5 minutes and gave us the tour. He was very knowledgeable and helpful. We will definitely stop next time we are in the area.
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