Welcome to Cave Junction...
Elijah Davidson's hunting dog chased a bear into a cave back in 1874. So it was that the Oregon Caves were discovered. They became a major attraction and in 1909 President Taft declared the caves a National Monument. Located 30 miles southwest of Grants Pass, the city of Cave Junction grew up at the intersection of Highway 46, leading to the Oregon Caves, and Highway 199 which connects Interstate 5 with the southern Oregon and northern Californian coasts. It was incorporated as a city in 1948 and up until the 1980’s the city's lumber production was the basis for its economy, whereas today that economy is based minimally in lumber and more so in vineyards, retirement services, tourism, and small business. Cave Junction is the major service center for the Illinois Valley with most basic services available to its residents. Today almost 2000 people live in the city while about 17,000 people live in the surrounding valley.
The Illinois Valley Visitors Center provides complete information on what to see and do in Cave Junction. Some of the high points of interest are the geological wonders of the Oregon Caves, the Oregon Caves Chateau which offers lodging, fine dining and function facilities and the surrounding hiking trails through magnificent old growth forest rich in biological diversity. Cave Junction is home to Great Cats of the World, a 10-acre preserve where you can see one of the largest and most varied collections of exotic cats on the west coast. The wood artisans at the Burl Gallery, the many local antique shops, the 44-mile winery tour and the rustic setting and recreational activities associated with the Illinois River will be the stuff of which your fond memories will be made.
Visitor Information
Elevation: 1295 feet
Population: 1,378 people
County: Josephine
Zip Code: 97523
Local Spotlight
Great Cats of the World Park
Mileage Chart
Ashland: 70
Bend: 220
Portland: 277
Seattle: 450
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