A Complete Guide To the Illinois Valley
The Illinois Valley, one of Oregon’s most prized natural gems, is home to emerald rivers, marble caves, stunning vineyards, and is one of the most botanically diverse regions in the country. Nestled between the Klamath/Siskiyou Mountains and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, this Southern Oregon river valley is steeped in history. It’s the birthplace of Oregon’s Gold Rush as well as the ancestral land of the Takelma People dating back thousands of years.
Experience first hand the rugged beauty of Southern Oregon and follow the historic Redwood Highway from Grants Pass to the Illinois Valley. Enjoy a wildflower hike along the Wild and Scenic Illinois River, learn about the area’s early days at the Kerbyville Museum, explore Oregon Caves National Monument, and visit locally-owned galleries, wineries, and eateries scattered around the valley.
Oregon Caves
Explore a labyrinth of marble passageways at Oregon Caves National Monument, where you’ll pass glistening stalagtites and stalagmites, historic relics, and a cavernous natural room 220 feet beneath the surface. Established in 1909, Oregon Caves is home to one of the largest, most pristine, and complete segments of old oceanic crust in North America. Inside the caves, the River Styx is also the first subterannean stream designated as Wild and Scenic in the country. During the 90-minute adventure, park rangers will share interesting facts about the geology and history as you’re guided through the cave. Tours are limited to 12 people and can be booked online or at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center. While visiting Oregon Caves, take advantage of their 6 hiking trails, wonderful visitor center, and two campgrounds.
Illinois River
The Wild & Scenic Illinois River is an outdoor lover’s playground and one of the West’s most unique treasures. Its famous for its emerald water, stunning scenery, challenging rapids, and rare botany. Unlike the Rogue River, the free-flowing “Illy” is untouched by dams and the salmon and steelhead are truly wild, without genetic tampering from hatcheries. The best way to explore the Illinois River Canyon and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness is by raft or backpacking the 30-mile Illinois River Trail starting in the spring. Book a guided trip with a local outfitter and plan a once-in-a-lifetime-trip in one of the most wild places in the West.
For those who don’t want to commit to a multi-day adventure, follow the Illinois River Road to one of the many swimming holes along the river or plan an afternoon at Illinois River Forks State Park. Located off of Hwy-199 outside of Cave Junction, “The Forks” is a 288-acre park situated along the confluence of the east and west forks of the Illinois River. Pack a picnic, walk the trail, and enjoy their disc golf course.
Kerbyville Museum
Peek into the past at the Kerbyville Museum, located off of Redwood Highway. Their curated treasure trove of historic artifacts date back to pioneer days and include a wagon that followed the Oregon Trail West, a linotype first used by the Grants Pass Courier in the 1880s, and Josephine County’s first post office. While there, tour an original schoolhouse from 1898, an old miner’s cabin, and the historic Nauke House, built in 1880.
From Grants Pass, follow Redwood Highway to Kerby in the Illinois Valley. Visit the museum Thurs-Sat 11am-3pm and Sundays 12-4pm.
Wildflowers
Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside
Discover one of the rarest botanical sites in the state by following Redwood Highway from Grants Pass to the Illinois Valley. Rough and Ready Flat is located in a region which is recognized as one of 200 biologically outstanding eco-regions in the world. It harbors a multitude of rare and special status plants endemic to the serpentine soils of the Siskiyou Mountains. Located just a few miles from Cave Junction, the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside is a .3mile trail that follows the creek that flows from the Kalmiopsis Wilderness. From March to June, you’ll find a stunning variety of wildflowers along the short and level trail.
Eight Dollar Mountain
Tucked away near the community of Selma, Eight Dollar Mountain is one of the most significant botanical areas in the state. Southern Oregon is home to the largest serpentine regions in North America, and you will find most serpentine endemic species at Eight Dollar Mountain, most notably, Darlingtonia Californica. These carnivorous pitcher plants thrive in the nutrient deficient and heavy metal laden soil, which is uninhabitable to most plant species. The tubular and hooked shape of the Darlingtonia is so insects can enter, become trapped, and its nutrients absorbed by the plant. The easiest ways to see Darlingtonia fens are by taking the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk along the .3 mile botanical trail or the TJ Howell Botanical Drive. For a longer trek, hike the 3.7mi Jeffrey Pines to Little Falls loop along the Illinois River where you’ll find Indian paintbrush, wild lilies, and notably, the Kalmiopsis leachiana, resembling a dwarf rhododendron with pink and purple petals that grows no where else on Earth.
Galleries
It’s a Burl
From Grants Pass, follow Redwood Highway to one of Oregon’s most unique galleries! For over 34 years, It’s a Burl in Kerby has showcased a fantastical gallery of burl-based furniture and sculptures. This artists’ collective was started in 1987 by Harvey Shinerock and expanded over the years into hobbit-like homes, studios, and galleries drawing woodworkers from all over the country. Climb up into the treehouses, explore the galleries, and see all their magical creations that are sure to keep patrons of all ages entranced for hours.
The Southern Oregon Guild
Though it might be easy to miss while driving along Redwood Highway, do yourself a favor and enjoy this gem in the Illinois Valley. Just down the road from “It’s a Burl” in Kerby, is the Southern Oregon Guild, a gallery and art center dedicated to supporting regional artists. Throughout the year, you’ll find quarterly juried shows of members’ work in the co-op gallery, as well as open houses, classes, workshops, and special events. The gallery showcases a diverse collection of art, from pottery and glasswork, to paintings and photography.
Shopping
Crystal Kaleidoscope
Follow Redwood Highway to rockhound paradise at Crystal Kaleidoscope— the largest rock shop in Southern Oregon. The family-owned and operated gift shop offers, jewelry, books, beads, and an indoor and outdoor collection of rare minerals and rocks. Visit them 7 days/week while passing through the community of Selma.
Southern Oregon Bigfoot Experience
Learn about the legend himself and take home some souvenirs from Oregon’s largest Sasquatch themed gift shop. Not only does their gift shop offer something for every Bigfoot fan, they also a museum which features foot casts, historical evidence, and news stories and sightings from around the country. Visit Southern Oregon Bigfoot Experience Monday-Friday and drop by their Yeti Ice-Cream shop next door.
Cave Junction Farmers Market
Located across the street from the Kerbyville Museum, the Friday evening farmers market features dozens of local growers and artisans in a community-driven environment. From 4-7 pm, walk around the vendors, enjoy food tents, live music, and “Cultivate Kids” —the kid-friendly craft and educational booth.
Out N About
Live your Swiss Family Robinson fantasy at Out n’ About Treehouse and Zipline– one of the PNW’s most unique attractions. Located outside of Cave Junction, near the community of Takilma, the “Treesort” is sky-high with things to do, from ziplining and trail rides to arts and crafts. This year-round attraction offers 15 treehouses, with several that can accommodate up to 4 people. Guests receive a full breakfast, as well as access to their swimming pool and hiking trails. Whether you plan to stay or just visit for the day, book a zipline canopy tour. With multiple courses for all comfort and skill levels, these two hour excursions provide a thrilling adventure that takes you up to 70ft in the air, speeds up to 45 mph, and expanses up to 850ft long. Afterwards, ask them about the Tarzan Swing!
If heights aren’t your thing, choose an adventure a little closer to the ground, and plan a guided horseback ride along their wooded trails. In addition to trail rides, Out n About also offers guided raft or inflatable kayak trips on the Klamath River in Happy Camp through Treehouse Outfitters rafting.
Wineries
Compared to the more Mediterranean climate of the Rogue and Applegate Valleys, the Illinois Valley’s cooler climate offers a different variety of grapes for winemaking. Here, you’ll find Burgundian and German varietals like pinots, chardonnays, riesling, and Gewürztraminer. Visit one of Oregon’s oldest wineries, Foris Vineyards, which spans over 200 planted acres near Cave Junction. Try their Alsace varietal white wines or pinot noir while taking in the sweeping views of the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains. Situated in the Illinois Valley and half way between the coast and Grants Pass, Augustino Estate is unlike any other tasting room in Southern Oregon. Their 1500sf treehouse tasting room offers guests a magical location to sip wine while enjoying the views or the sound of the rushing creek below. Plan a stop at Bridgeview Vineyards, who recently re-opened their tasting room which now serves as an art gallery. Sip wine on their expansive deck where you can watch swans swimming in their ponds or walk around their grounds.
Dining
When it comes to meat, Taylor’s Sausage Country Store in downtown Cave Junction is a cut above the rest. Whether you’re planning a day trip to the Illinois Valley or a coastal excursion, Taylor’s Sausage is an excellent stop for an affordable breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While there, make sure to check out their impressive meat selection, which is processed just a few blocks away. The manufacturing plant is where the meat is processed, packaged, and shipped to markets up and down the West Coast. Using only high quality ingredients, the meats are dried, fermented, and smoked with natural spices, casings, hardwoods, with minimal preservatives or salt. The country Store offers over 100 varieties of gourmet meats, from traditional sausages like salami and kielbasa, to fresh cuts, jerkies, deli meats, and even exotic selections.
Whether your heart’s set on breakfast or lunch, Trillium Bakery has got you covered. The family-owned bakery located in the heart of Cave Junction offers scratch-made pastries, donuts, sandwiches, and coffee 7 days/week. Across the street, find Bruno’s Cavern, a restaurant, full bar, and live music venue. Dine with them Weds-Monday.
