Cave Junction, Oregon

Cave Junction is the gateway to Oregon Caves National Monument and the starting point for the Oregon Caves Highway scenic drive. It is surrounded by three wilderness areas, a wild and scenic river corridor, botanical areas, and Siskiyou National Forest. The map below shows a few of the things that are found within a short drive of downtown Cave Junction.

Things to see and do in the Cave Junction area in the heart of the Siskiyou Mountains, Highway 199, southwest Oregon

History Loop Drive

A fourteen mile loop drive through the gold rush, logging, and winery country of Illinois Valley.

Wild and Scenic Illinois River

A scenic drive that follows the Wild and Scenic Illinois River to the boundary of the Kalmiopsis wilderness near York Butte Botanical Area. Hiking trails, swimming, fire ecology, geology and historic sites.

Selma, Oregon

This small residential community is located near Kerby Peak trail, the historic McMullin House and Lake Selmac County Park a popular camping and fishing destination

TJ Howell Botanical Drive
A scenic drive that climbs into the mountains through one of the most botanically diverse regions in the Nation. Salmon can be seen swimming up river during migration in the section of the drive that goes through the Wild and Scenic River corridor. Several colonies of carnivorous pitcher plants are seen in the lower part of the drive and short hikes to Babyfoot Lake or Whetstone Butte in the Kalmiopsis wilderness are at the end of the drive 14 miles from Highway 199.

Kerby, Oregon

A historic town with furniture makers and the Kerbyville Museum at the historic Naucke House.

Highway 46 "The Oregon Caves Highway"
Copy this map and guide to add a little more interest to the 20 mile drive to Oregon Caves National Monument. Wheelchair accessible trail, campgrounds, historic sites, wine tasting and a blue berry farm are some of the things to see along the way.

Oregon Caves National Monument
Cave tours, hiking trails, children activities, historic lodge and Ranger programs during summer months make this a great addition to a family vacation adventure. The Bigelow Lakes loop trail is one of the most scenic trails in the southwest Oregon region.

Forks of the Illinois State Park

This small park managed by the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation is located at the confluence of the east and west forks of the Illinois River. Located immediately south of Cave Junction. Shaded picnic sites and river access.

Great Cats World Park
A prominent educational organization dedicated to increasing public awareness of all species of cats including lions, tigers, civet, lynx, ocelots and more offers tours of their educational facility. Located next to the White Tiger Sanctuary.

Historic Smoke Jumper Base

One of the first smoke jumper bases established in the nation, many of the original buildings are still present. A shaded park with picnic tables and restrooms make this a nice stop.

Rough and Ready Botanical Area

A high desert plant community growing in the temperate rain forest of southwest Oregon.

Jefferson State Byway

This route follows the byway to the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains with hiking trails, lakes and access to the Siskiyou wilderness and Red Buttes wilderness. Displays at the Page Mountain snow park tell the Jefferson State story.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...