Things To Do Near Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve
The drive up to Oregon Caves National Monument is a bit of a challenge, but the beauty along the way is worth the trip. There are campsites along Caves Highway as well as places to fish and hike. An RV is the perfect way to travel in this area because you can explore without worrying about reserving accommodations at motels.
Hiking Trails
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Cliff Natural Trail
The Cliff Natural Trail is the most popular hike in the area. It begins at the exit from the cave tour and goes around the mountain. This is a fairly easy walk where you can see some beautiful foliage, birds, and squirrels. You will walk over marble rock outcroppings and through the beautiful forest of Douglas fir. The view from the top of the hill is spectacular.
Location
21000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
Length
0.9 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Big Tree Loop
The Big Tree Loop is the perfect trail for bird-watching. It is quite a steep hike, so it will take most of an afternoon to complete. The hike takes you past the widest-girthed Douglas fir tree known to exist in Oregon. You will love the beautiful scenery and mountain meadows. At the Big Tree, there is a nice area to stop and picnic.
Location
21000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
Length
3.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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No Name Trail
The No Name Trail is one of the four hiking trails located at the monument. Walk under the covered bridge, cross the creek, and then climb the steep incline back to the other side of the monument. There are benches along the way where you can rest a moment and enjoy the nature sounds of the forest. This is a good route to take on the way back to your car after the cave tour.
Location
21000 Caves Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
Length
1.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Great Cats World Park
Great Cats World Park is a small zoo where you can get up close and personal with lions and tigers. Guides take small tour groups around the property and introduce them to a variety of big cats. They also have a fun gift shop for souvenirs and a little café in the shade where you can cool off in the heat of the day and have a snack.
Location
27919 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
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Illinois River Forks State Park
The Illinois River Forks State Park is located right at the edge of town and is a popular spot for swimming and picnics. There are picnic tables and restrooms as well as a large grassy area near the water. The park also includes a short walking trail and a nine-hole disc golf course. If you enjoy plants, you will love exploring the Forks because it is a unique geological area full of rare flora.
Location
Illinois River Forks State Park, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
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Rusk Ranch Nature Center
The Rusk Ranch Nature Center is dedicated to showing children of all ages a new appreciation for nature. Enjoy their Butterfly Pavilion to see painted lady and monarch butterflies. They also have a hummingbird garden and a natural playground to explore. You will enjoy experiencing plenty of outdoor fun and some hands-on learning at the nature center.
Location
27746 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
Museums
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Kerbyville Museum
The Kerbyville Museum is the keeper of the Illinois Valley’s local history. It has been around since 1959 sharing exhibits about Native Americans, logging, mining, and pioneers of the Illinois Valley. Visit the Naucke House, which was built in the 1880s and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are no formal tours to rush you through; you can take your time and explore every aspect of the rich history.
Location
24195 Redwood Highway, Kerby, Oregon 97531
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Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum
The Siskiyou Smokejumper Base was home to seven different types of jump planes for almost 40 years. Now, the base has been turned into a museum where you can learn all about smokejumping and firefighting of the past. You can see the loft, jumpsuits, parachutes, tools, and stories and one of their most popular planes. Stop by for a fascinating look at some of the Illinois Valley's most interesting history.
Location
30902 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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It’s A Burl
It’s A Burl is a gallery of awe-inspiring wood art for the home. It has been family-owned and -operated since 1988, making custom home furnishings as well as one-of-a-kind wood pieces. Explore The Yard, the woodworking wonderland where you can sit in a swing or climb into a treehouse.
Location
24025 Redwood Highway, Kerby, Oregon 97531
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Taylor’s Sausage Country Store
The Taylor family has been creating their fine sausage since 1924. They started as a meat market in the Illinois Valley and have since become a country store and café as well as a social hub in the community. They offer more than 80 varieties of products, including sausage made from wild game.
Location
202 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
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Wild River Brewing & Pizza Co.
Wild River Brewing, known by the locals as the Pizza Deli, came to Cave Junction in June of 1975, and the community fell in love. They make fantastic pizzas with fresh ingredients cut into bite-sized pieces that are fun to eat. Later, they added a brewery to create tasty beverages that matched the flavor and quality of their food. They are in a beautiful log building with an outside deck where you can sit and enjoy live music on occasion.
Location
249 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523
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River Valley Restaurant
The River Valley Restaurant is an unassuming little spot with fantastic food. They offer breakfast, lunch, and brunch. The food rivals good home cooking, and the staff is friendly and efficient as well. The diner atmosphere is full of smiles and good smells coming from the kitchen.
Location
203 N. Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon 97523