Cave Junction, Oregon Is The Quirky Gateway To The Caves And Beyond
Originally founded during the gold rush era, this charming community got its name from the nearby Oregon Caves National Monument.
Today, Cave Junction serves as a gateway to natural wonders, offering visitors and locals alike a perfect blend of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and small-town hospitality.
Gold Rush Beginnings
Back in the 1850s, prospectors flocked to the Illinois Valley searching for gold nuggets in local streams.
This mining fever birthed what would eventually become Cave Junction.
The town officially got its name in 1926 when a post office was established at the crossroads leading to the magnificent Oregon Caves.
Despite its humble origins, the community held onto its pioneering spirit that still shines through today.
Oregon Caves National Monument
Just 20 miles east of town sits the spectacular marble caves that put Cave Junction on the map.
These ancient caverns formed over millions of years showcase stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones.
Visitors can take ranger-guided tours through the ‘Marble Halls of Oregon’ and marvel at the underground streams and unique rock formations.
The historic Chateau at the Oregon Caves, built in 1934, offers rustic lodging for those wanting to extend their subterranean adventure.
Great Outdoors Paradise
Surrounded by the Siskiyou Mountains and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Cave Junction serves as base camp for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Hikers tackle the nearby Illinois River Trail while rafters brave the wild waters downstream.
Mountain bikers find challenging terrain on forest service roads, and wildlife watchers spot black bears, deer, and bald eagles.
During winter months, locals head to nearby Mt. Ashland for skiing and snowboarding, making this town truly a four-season playground.
Quirky Local Attractions
The Out’n’About Treehouse Resort just outside town lets visitors fulfill childhood dreams by sleeping in elaborate treehouses nestled among towering pines.
Some platforms soar 37 feet above the forest floor!
Downtown, the quirky It’s a Burl Gallery showcases incredible wood sculptures crafted from twisted madrone and myrtle wood burls.
Ghost towns like Kerbyville offer glimpses into the region’s mining past, while local lavender farms fill the summer air with fragrant purple blooms.
Wine Country and Farm-to-Table Dining
The Illinois Valley’s microclimate creates perfect conditions for vineyards producing award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Family-run wineries welcome visitors for tastings with stunning mountain backdrops.
Taylor’s Sausage Country Store serves up legendary homemade meats that draw customers from hundreds of miles away.
Local restaurants embrace farm-to-table philosophies, sourcing ingredients from nearby organic farms.
Wild mushroom hunters bring prized chanterelles and morels to farmers’ markets during spring and fall.
