The Illinois Valley consists of the towns of Cave Junction, O’Brien, Kerby, Selma, and Takilma which holds so many awesome things to do you won’t know what to do with yourself!
HIKE, PLAY, & LEARN
HIKE EIGHT DOLLAR MOUNTAIN
If you take the 1-mile Jeffrey Pine Loop at the Eight Dollar Mountain trailhead it’s a moderate hike that offers views of the Illinois River and you even pass a historic mining ditch.There is the Boardwalk Trail that is super kid-friendly AND wheelchair accessible that includes educational panels describing all of the flora and fauna in the area.GET THERE
PLAY ON THE ILLINOIS RIVER
You will want to take a whole day to spend at the Illinois River because once you get there, you will not want to leave. Pack a picnic lunch, your inner tubes, your fishing pole, and the sunscreen and you will be set for the day. Great swimming spots include Six Mile Day Use Area, Illinois River Forks State Park (they even have a disc golf course and a horseback riding trail nearby), Store Gulch Day Use Area and Campground
LAKE SELMAC COUNTY PARK
Spend the day swimming, fishing, and boating or enjoy the playground and nature trail at the west end of the lake. There’s also an 18 hole disc golf course and basketball hoop. Pay the day use fee or you can camp in this gorgeous lake tucked into an old growth forest. GET THERE
OREGON CAVES NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Oregon Caves National Monument is one of the natural wonders of southern Oregon. Make sure to wear a warm coat and go on an underground adventure led by an ranger. You will be blown away by the otherworldly marble halls and the amazing history you will learn. Afterwards you can take a hike up the Cliff Nature Trail; it’s only a .7 mile trail with a slight incline and the payoff is a phenomenal panoramic view of the Illinois Valley. Don’t forget to grab your Junior Ranger’s packet if you have little ones! They love looking for clues to answer all of the questions and they earn a badge at the end! Get all of the information you need and make your reservations HERE
If you are feeling like getting in more hiking, they have five hikes of varying distances to venture out on including the Big Tree Trail, Old Growth Trail, No Name Trail, Cave Creek Trail, and Bigelow Lakes – Mt. Elijah Loop Trail. See a trail map HERE and more information HERE
OUT’N’ABOUT TREEHOUSE TREESORT
Get enchanted by southern Oregon at a whole other level when you visit the Out’n’About Treehouse Treesort. Stop in for a visit during the day and you can enjoy guided horseback rides, tree climbs, zipling, arts & crafts, and sometimes catch some music, but the real magic happens when you stay overnight! Think of a campground but you stay in treehouses instead. On site there are grills and a common kitchen, a pool table, and in the summer a pool. In the morning don’t miss out on the amazing homecooked breakfast, you will not want to leave!
SISKIYOU SMOKEJUMPER BASE MUSEUM
Take a tour of one of the four original smokejumper bases established by the US Forest Service in 1943. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and you can tour the grounds including the oldest existing parachute loft in the US! Read more HERE
SHOP IT’S A BURL
Not only do they build custom home furnishings but they display a gallery of sorts in their “yard” where you can find lots of curiosities including a treehouse to climb into. See a sampling of their work HERE
EAT
TAYLOR’S SAUSAGE COUNTRY STORE
Since 1970 the Taylor family has been making sausages and you can stop in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday or pick up some of their meat to grill up over a campfire! See more on their WEBSITE
WILD RIVER PIZZA
Enjoy some delicious pizza at the Original Wild River in Cave Junction because who doesn’t love pizza! They scratch make not only their pizzas, but sandwiches and roasted chicken served alongside their 8 (or more) handcrafted brews. See their menu HERE
SIP
AUGUSTINO ESTATE TREEHOUSE TASTING ROOM
Enjoy the breathtaking views of Augustino Estates vineyards while sipping the “fruit of their labors” from a stunning treehouse in O’Brien. They are open Thursday through Sunday, Noon to 5pm or enjoy winemaker dinners, horse-drawn wagon rides, and other special events throughout the year. See their full list of events HERE
As you can see there is a lot to do in the Illinois Valley. Whether you stay for a day or just the weekend just take the time to adventure and it will win your heart!
Notable Event
SASQUATCH WINE, ART, & GOLF FESTIVAL
In the month of May join the Illinois Valley community in a celebration of all things sasquatch with wines, art, and a golf tournament. See more details HERE
