Explore caves, hike rare ecosystems and taste wine near Grants Pass.
In Southwestern Oregon’s Illinois Valley, you’ll find adventure at every turn. You may find yourself floating on a raft, spelunking in a cave, admiring flowers in unusual serpentine soil, or picnicking with local wine and some of Oregon’s best sausages. Here are some places not to miss on a long weekend trip in this special area near Oregon’s southern border and an adventure map to help you find your way.
Day One: Observe Plants, Taste Wine and Stay in a Treehouse
Botany lovers will delight in the 2,867-acre Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area, which harbors nearly half of Oregon’s 3,370 known plant species, including some of its rarest. Visitors can find pullouts, trailheads and interpretive sights, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk trail where visitors can view the unusual plant communities the serpentine rock soil supports up close.
Located in Cave Junction, only 14 miles from Eight Dollar Mountain, is Foris Vineyards, one of Oregon’s most venerable wineries, operating since 1974. Its experience shows with award-winning and highly scored (90+) wines. Surrounded by views of the Siskiyou Mountains, Foris is the perfect destination for recuperating from a weekend of adventures with a glass of white or red.
No visit to the area is complete without a stop at flagship Taylor’s Sausage Country Store in Cave Junction. Dine in for fresh steaks, gourmet sandwiches and hot dogs, or gather delicious edibles like the house-made jerky, and make it an evening picnic for the whole family at nearby Jubilee Park.
After your meal, head back into the forest for an elevated experience at Out’n’About Treesort 10 miles outside of Cave Junction. Here you’ll stay up in the trees in a sustainably managed treehouse situated in old-growth forest. You can also swim here or book activities like horseback riding, zip lines and rafting. Camping options include Little Falls Campground and Josephine Campground.
Day Two: Hike a River Trail, Enjoy Pizza and Stay in a Tepee
Start early for a breathtaking hike on the Illinois River Trail, located in the north end of the Kalmiopsis Wilderness near Selma. The trail — rated challenging — can be accessed via two trailheads, the Illinois River East Trailhead and the Illinois River West Trailhead.
From the eastern trailhead, hikers can complete an out-and-back day hike to Pine Flat, totaling 10.6 miles and 1,650 feet in elevation gain. Starting from the western trailhead, take the 8.8-mile out-and-back trek to Indigo Creek. The trail will rise about 1,200 feet in the first 3 miles before reaching the pinnacle at Buzzards Roost, then descend to Indigo Creek. Note that fallen trees from wildfires and lack of shade can pose risks to hikers and campers, and difficult travel may be encountered at times. Be sure to bring the Ten Essentials and know your limits.
Rest and recuperate with pepperoni pies and microbrews from Wild River Brewing & Pizza Company, just 10 miles away in Cave Junction.
Options for a fun stay include a colorful tepee at the nearby Resort at Lake Selmac. There are also primitive but cozy cabins and tent and RV sites. This quiet resort is surrounded by lush wilderness and offers additional boating and fishing opportunities.
Day Three: Tour Caves, Savor Lasagna and Experience Ranch Life
Below a forest of remnant old-growth Douglas firs is a series of twisting caves known as the Marble Halls of Oregon in the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve. Formed by acidic water, 3 miles of interconnected passages make up the cave’s underground expanse. The park offers ranger-led guided tours for families and folks who want even deeper dives to experience the cave’s twisting passages and fascinating geology. Book ahead of time online or stop by the visitor center in Cave Junction early in the day to reserve your spot, as tours are limited each day.
After the tour, explore the trails in the area and head back to town, where you can tuck into classic Italian dishes like lasagna Bolognese or eggplant parmesan at Pietro’s Italian Restaurant in Cave Junction. In O’Brien — a small town south of Cave Junction and 26 miles from Oregon Caves — you can taste more local wine at Augustino Estate’s Treehouse Tasting Room.
While lodging at Oregon Caves is unavailable due to renovations, you can stay on at Augustino Estate. Sleep in rugged luxury with river access and mountain views at the Winery Cabin, or get a taste of ranching life at the Cowboy Cabin or Farmhouse Cottage.
