Local Area Recreation Near Cave Junction KOA Journey

Recreation abounds in Southern Oregon – no matter your favorite type of recreation, you’ll likely find it here!  Southern Oregon has a unique climate that offers four distinct seasons with a variety of activities each season.Autumn brings vivid colors of orange, yellow, and gold as the leaves on the trees start to change; turkey, deer, and elk hunting; mushroom hunting; hiking; biking; and more!Winter brings mitten weather, and is generally mild, though we periodically get a sprinkling of snow at our lowest elevations.  Most of the time it melts off quickly and all that’s left is a memory of the snowfall.  Snowy mountains for sledding, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and boarding, and snowmobiling are within driving distance for the cold-weather sports enthusiasts.Spring awakens all of the wildflowers in our region and many unique wildflowers can be found on the hiking trails throughout the region.  As the wildflowers bloom, you’ll see hues of purple, blue, and yellow along roadsides and hills.Summer vibes bring the heat and everyone is out to float the rivers, fish the streams, boat on the lakes and explore the area’s State and National Parks and quaint towns.  No matter the season, Southern Oregon abounds with wineries, breweries, pubs, arts, and entertainment!

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

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.

6941 Upper Applegate Rd

Jacksonville, OR 97530

541-899-3800

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Mt. Ashland

Mt. Ashland

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.

11 Mt. Ashland Ski Rd

Ashland, OR 97520

541-482-2897

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Illinois Valley Country Club

Illinois Valley Country Club

Enjoy a challenging game of golf at the Illinois Valley Country Club, a public golf course, located at the north edge of Cave Junction. The 9 hole, par 72 golf course was built on very flat terrain, is situated on 71 lush acres, and is well kept. The signature hole is #5, a 390-yard, par 4. Plans are currently underway to expand the golf course to 18 holes.

25320 Redwood Hwy

Cave Junction, OR 97523

541-592-3151

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Illinois River Trail

Illinois River Trail

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.

29279 Ellensburg Ave

Gold Beach, OR 97444

541-247-3600

Website

Fishing on the Local Rivers and Lakes

Fishing on the Local Rivers and Lakes

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.

4034 Fairview Industrial Drive SE

Salem, OR 97302

503-947-6000

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Rafting on the Rogue River

Rafting on the Rogue River

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.

There are several rafting companies in the area that rent rafting equipment and offer guided tours.

Playing on the Illinois River

Playing on the Illinois River

The Illinois River Road (Forest Service road 4103, west at the flashing light in Selma) provides access to many popular river day-use areas.

Biking in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

Biking in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest

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).

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Ride horses at Lake Selmac or Out & About Treesort.

Page Mountain Snow Park

Page Mountain Snow Park

For those who enjoy winter sports like cross country skiing, snow mobiling, or sledding 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.

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