- The TJ Howell Botanical Road Guide is a family oriented tour that takes visitors on the nation's premiere drive to see one of the most botanically diverse landscapes in the United States. It is the most scenic high elevation drive in Josephine County that takes you to beautiful vistas, passes by designated botanical areas, crosses a designated Wild & Scenic River Corridor and ends at a wilderness area. Two short hikes are suggested at the end of the tour route.
- Drive an hour to Brookings and explore tide pools while beachcombing on a secluded sandy beach in one of the hundreds of small coves along the rugged coastline. Whale watching is a year-round activity on the Oregon Coast with gray whales by far the most commonly seen.
- The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has approximately 400 miles of trails for you to use and enjoy. Many of these trails can be used for multiple experiences such as hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
- The Illinois River Trail is one of the best hikes in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest! Spectacular wildflowers, old-growth trees, rugged and steep river canyons and a wide variety of wildlife are just a few of the natural treasures you'll find.
- For those who enjoy winter sports like cross country skiing, snow mobiling, or sleding Page Mountain Snow Park is just a short drive from the Illinois Valley. Drive south from Cave Junction about 8 miles, turn left (east) on Waldo Road and continue for a few miles through the intersection with Takilma Road (Four Corners). After Four Corners Waldo Road changes to Happy Camp Road. After about 30 minutes you'll arrive at Page Mountain Snow Park on the right. Snow park permit required and can be obtained at the DMV in Cave Junction.
- For the downhill skier Mt. Ashland is about a 2 hour drive from Cave Junction. "If you can ski Mt. Ashland, you can ski anywhere," is a boast locals in southern Oregon have made for over 40 years. It is true; Mt. Ashland offers plenty of adventure for both skiers and riders. At 7,500 feet, Mt. Ashland is the highest point in the Siskiyou mountain range. Its north facing slopes collect an average 300 inches of snowfall annually. The ski area offers 23 trails in addition to chute skiing and boarding in its famous bowl. All trails are easily accessed by 4 chairlifts. Twilight skiing on 10 runs is scheduled Thursday through Saturday evenings beginning in late-December. Ski or snowboard all day for only $20 on tightwad Tuesdays. Mt. Ashland Bull Gap Sno-Park features 12 km (7 miles) of ungroomed trails for cross-country skiing. There is a 2-mile loop and a snow covered forest road connecting the Sno-Park to the ski center.
- Contact the Illinois Valley Visitor Center and ask about their schedule of summer events.
- Fish in the Illinois, the Rogue,
the Chetco, the Smith, the Klamath, the
Woodchuck, or the Umpqua Rivers or one of the many lakes in the region, including Lake Selmac located 2.5 miles east of Highway 199 in Selma
[map and directions].
- Rafting The Rogue River is both as adventurous as it is rewardingly beautiful. The rivers class II, III, and IV white water are well reputed as being among the nations best. The Illinois River offers marvelous recreation opportunities, including whitewater that provides plenty of excitement for small rafts and kayaks. The wild section of the river contains Class V water that should be rafted with caution.
- Jet boat excursions on the Rogue River are available in a variety of flavors.
- The Illinois River Road (Forest Service road 4103, west at the flashing light in Selma) provides access to many popular river related day-use and overnight camping sites.
- Camp at a local campground.
- Bike on quiet back country roads, minimally maintained forest roads, or single track adventures. (Osgood Ditch Trail), (Mt. Elijah Oregon Caves), (Illinois River Road), (Applegate Lake Trail)
- Star watch in some of the clearest sky in the country with almost no infiltrated light from cities.
- Experience the unusual and most biodiverse forests and ancient landscapes of wildflowers found no where else in the world.
- Discover the varied and dynamic geology of Southwest Oregon. Some of the most unusual geological formations in the world that helped encourage our unique biological diversity.
- Ride horses at Lake Selmac or Out & About Treesort.
- Cool off in the summer at the Cave Junction Outdoor Swimming Pool.
- Forks State Park is a popular picnic area and swimming hole where the East & West Forks of The Illinois River converge. Located just 1 mile south of Cave Junction on highway 199 on the west side. The park offers picnic tables and restrooms.
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