Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum

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Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum The historic Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum honors one of the oldest standing smokejumper bases in the world and the people who protected this area.

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. 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.

10/01/2026

On a 100-degree day in early June, eight experienced firefighters did sit-ups in a semicircle training to parachute into a wildfire.

09/22/2026
08/21/2026
08/09/2026

This wildfire season has already been incredibly heartbreaking and tough for so many. The news this week makes it even more heartbreaking. We mourn the loss of three more from the wildland fire community.

The crew of N793HT were tragically killed when their helicopter went down while responding to the Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah. In Oregon, dozer operator Jason Ensign was killed when fast-moving, unpredictable fire behavior overtook his position on the Wrights Spring Fire.

Our hearts are with their families, friends, crews, and everyone who knew and loved them.

And for those still on the line, the season isn't over. With weeks of western fire season still ahead, the wildland fire community is carrying these losses while continuing to answer the call.

We cannot know what the rest of this season will bring. But we can stand behind the people who are out there — taking all steps necesssary to prevent these fires and keep fighting for a wildland fire system that gives them the support, resources, and protections they deserve.

Please keep our wildland firefighters and their families in your thoughts.

Come home safe.

08/02/2026
07/23/2026
06/06/2026

Fires started by lightning often erupt in very remote, mountainous ...

Address

30902 Redwood Highway
Cave Junction, OR
97523

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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