Oregon Caves - Williams Back Country Route

Visitors to Oregon Caves National Monument commonly back-track to Highway 199 to drive to Ashland, Medford or the historic town of Jacksonville, southwest Oregon. The map and directions below provide a back country shortcut on gravel surfaced, Forest Service roads from Oregon Caves National Monument to the town of Williams in the Applegate Valley.

The map and directions will provide a generalized orientation for getting from Oregon Caves National Monument to Williams but does not show all roads in the area. It is always recommended that you purchase a Forest Service map before driving in the back country. Assure you have tires suitable for this type of travel and you are prepared for emergencies.

The route is not cleared of snow or debris during the winter and all drivers should check for current road conditions before driving the route, especially in the mid to late spring. Many people with 4x4 vehicles have got themselves stuck in snow drifts on this road and had to walk out.

Trees occasionally fall across back country roads making them impassible. The map below shows the main roads going from Oregon Caves to Williams. There are no alternatives. Please report downed trees and provide mileage from junctions if possible so other travelers can be advised and Forest Service staff can easily find and clear the tree at the first opportunity.

Sources that may have information on road conditions:

Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest
541 592-4000

Oregon Caves National Monument Information
541 592-2100
Oregon Caves official website

Map of Oregon Caves-Williams Backcountry Drive, southwest Oregon.

Oregon Caves – Williams Road Log

0.0 Beginning of 960 at lower end of Oregon Caves main parking lot.

1.3 Panther Creek - This creek begins as a spring at the Big Tree on the Big Tree Loop Trail.

1.5 Log landing

1.9 Lake Creek and waterfall (photo)

3.0 Gate and intersection of 070 turn right. NOTE: Turn left for the alternate route down the 070 as indicated on the map. If for some reason roads are closed, you can return to Highway 46 on USFS 4611 or 4613.

3.3 Meadow on left - Approximate location of the historic Pepper Camp, a stopping point on the historic Oregon Caves equestrian trail from Williams.

3.55 Road on right to Bigelow Lakes Loop Trail

3.7 Gate (yellow) Beginning of 079

4.1 Vista to Williams valley (photo - Low Divide can be seen in the foreground)

4.2 Diorite in road cut on right. Diorite is a granitic rock usually representative of ancient volcanic activity. This is part of the Grayback pluton seen at Bigelow Lakes and in Grayback Mountain, the large mountain ahead of you and to the left).

6.0 Elk Creek trail

6.4 Log landing - nice camp spot with a vista

7.5 079 ends at the yellow gate. The 4611 comes in from the left. Stay right at the fork to continue to Williams.

8.0 Forest managed for old growth – below left

9.1 Creek crossing (Little Creek)

9.6 Vista into Little Grayback Creek drainiage

10.6 Pond on left - Road on right to diorite quarry

10.8 Fork in road – stay to left (BLM Road 39-6-36)
WARNING: steep, gravel road – use low gear.

11.4 Pavement begins – the low area on the left is called Low Divide.
Historic Oregon Caves trail crossed here.
Watch for sharp curves and on-coming traffic as you continue.

14.5 “s” turns

15.7 Begin divided road – Leaving Low Divide Road

16.1 Approximate location of Caves Camp

17.0 WARNING: 20 MPH curves ahead

17.8 Buffalo ranch on left

18.0 Stop sign - Cedar Flat Road and Kincaid Road (photo - looking up Caves Camp road toward Oregon Caves. Low Divide can be seen in the background.)

At this intersection you are entering into the Applegate Valley. For information on things to do as you continue to Grants Pass or Jacksonville see the Applegate Valley Scenic Loop Map. The following road log will provide enough information to get you to the things listed on the Applegate Valley Scenic Loop Map.

___________ Side Trip to the Bristol Marble Mine trail __________

0.0 Cedar Flat Road

0.7 South Marble Gulch Access Road to Bristol / Jones Marble Quarry ( mile 0.1, stay right at fork (go over cattle guard), mile 0.4, park and hike to the mine. The safest way to continue is to return to intersection of Cedar Flat and Caves Camp road. Set your odometer to zero and turn left to continue.).

___________ End side trip to Bristol Marble Quarry __________

To continue to Williams from the intersection of Caves Camp Road, Set the odometer to zero and turn right

0.0

1.0 Bridge

1.3 Davidson Road (on the right in the middle of the curve). Road to Howling Acres Wolf Sanctuary

2.0 Cemetery left

3.0 Store on right - gas

4.6 Water Gap road – Turn left

5.1 Cemetery – Elijah Davidson, the person who discovered Oregon Caves in 1874 is buried in the cemetery on the right.

7.1 Pacifica Gardens - gate on right (trails, birding, arboretum)

9.4 Intersection with 238 Turn right for Jacksonville/Medford/Ashland, Go straight to Grants Pass.

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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...