Location: Cave Junction
Top Things to do in Cave Junction
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What to do and see in Cave Junction, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Cave Junction, incorporated in 1948, is a city in Josephine County, Oregon, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 1,883. Its motto is the "Gateway to the Oregon Caves", and the city got its name by virtue of its location at the junction of Redwood Highway (U.S. Route 199) and Caves Highway (Oregon Route 46). Cave Junction is located in the Illinois Valley, where, starting in the 1850s, the non-native economy depended on gold mining. After World War II, timber became the main source of income for residents. As timber income has since declined, Cave Junction is attempting to compensate with tourism and as a haven for retirees. Tourists visit the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, which includes the Oregon Caves Chateau, as well as the Out'n'About treehouse resort and the Great Cats World Park zoo.
Restaurants in Cave Junction
1. Oregon Caves National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 500 reviews
The Oregon Caves is a place of adventure, wonder, and discovery. Join your guide and a small party of fellow cave explorers for a 90-minute tour. The route wends through narrow, twisting passages with ceilings as low as 45 inches! See strangely beautiful of stalactites, stalagmites, and other mysterious calcite flowstones as you bend and stoop through rocky passages. You will long remember your tour of the Oregon Caves. The route is moderately strenuous and not recommended for people with breathing, heart, knee or back issues. Children must be 42” tall or taller, no exceptions. The cave is 44 degrees year round. Dress warm. Tours are very popular in the summer. Arrive early to avoid long waits or closures. Reservations are available at Recreation.gov. Cave tours offered late March to early November. On the surface, explore the Oregon Caves Historic District, including the Oregon Caves Chateau, a National Historic Landmark. The Chateau offers lodging and dining, early March through early October. Trail heads in the historic district will lead hikers along paths through old growth Port Orford Cedar forests, scenic overlooks of the Siskiyou Mountains, and meadows filled with wildflowers.
Reviewed By Bill B - Salem, Oregon, United States
Everything about this trip was fun. The drive up with all the fall colors and checking out the Lodge (Which was beautiful inside) and just exploring the property. I noticed there were hiking trail as well. We did not actually take the tour of the caves but we were allowed to go in for a bit. Great gift shop and lots of peace and quiet. Would love to go back and take the tour some time.
2. Its a Burl
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Maddiesmelody - Manhattan Beach, California
Were there Hobbits living here? Maybe Fairies? Well certainly the artist who created these buildings and tree houses had the influence of wood nymphs all around him! This third generation run artist conclave is worth a stop to admire the artistry of burl bowls, furniture and other home items. The workshops are right there as well. Rustic meandering and fascinating; the storage barns are filled with un-worked gnarled burls of every grain and size! In one barn I felt as if I was in a dream of endless types of wood slabs but they are real and all are available for purchase. But be warned, this place is truly enchanted!
3. Liquid Expeditions Rafting
Overall Ratings
5 based on 56 reviews
Rafting Adventures for the whole family on the Klamath River. Swim in the warm water bask in the sun and eat a gourmet lunch or dinner while keeping an eye out for Salmon, Osprey, Eagle, Cougar and Bear. Expert guides, Excellent service, Fantastic Price!
Reviewed By renelle22 - California
Our rafting guides Rael and Jenna were in one word "AMAZING"! Liquid Expeditions makes this family adventure so easy to plan, they do everything! They picked us up from our accommodations and drove us through scenic roads to our put in spot, provided lunch along the river at a beautiful beach, provided commentary on everything there is to know about the areas we explored and had us jumping off of rock cliffs into the river! Rael and Jenna were so fun to hang out with and they are truly experts! This was an amazing trip for my family, my kids had a blast! Thank you Rael and Jenna for the wonderful adventure!
4. Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 52 reviews
The Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum is a 501C3 nonprofit organization based in Cave Junction, Oregon. Its main organizers and board members include many of the original Siskiyou Smokejumpers as well as community members and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Reviewed By AZMesaFamily - Mesa, Az
This is a part of history that everyone needs to know about. This place is full of stories, pictures and artifacts. A great place to learn about brave people that want to make a difference. It can be a self guided tour or wait for the people to walk you through it. Take as much or as little time as you want. No cost
but there is a place to make a donation if you feel so inclined with no pressure. Just good people trying to keep history alive.
5. Great Cats World Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By SedonasConcierge - Sedona, Arizona
The majestic and gorgeous big cats at this park are just beautiful! The sanctuary is small in my opinion, I'd love to see these cats have more natural space to live. The guides are very informative and engaging. I took my 3.5 y/o Godson and he LOVED it. The cats are SO close and playful. Well trained staff and cute gift shop too. I will definitely go back!
6. Captain Drake's Family Aerial Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 25 reviews
Captain Drake's flight lodge is a beautiful place to stay whether you are staying a night or for several weeks while engaged in your flight training. We are an adventure vacation destination flight school providing instruction for sport pilots and ultralight airmen. We also offer rooms for $60/ night to non-flying folks who just want to stay in a unique and special spot. We're not exactly a hotel and we're not quite a bed and breakfast (you wouldn't want me to cook for you) but we do have a great kitchen and you are welcome to use it!
Reviewed By Linda T - Los Angeles, California
Captain Drake's Family Aerial Adventures is the premiere flight training school on the west coast! While I am not personally a student (yet), I have stayed at Captain Drake's Air BnB in O'Brien! While there, I have observed the classes in session, both the classroom and the flight sessions. Captain Drake is a flight instructor AND a designated pilot examiner. The package he offers students is beyond compare! Also, the setting in the Illinois Valley in Oregon is fabulous because the airport is small and the aerial views are stunning. Sitting on the veranda or in the main lodge room, one can see no signs of civilization, wilderness as far as the eyes can see!
7. Taylor's Sausage Country Store
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By SuzanneLG - Gresham, Oregon
We drive though Cave Junction several times a year to visit my mother in law in calif.
On our way home we ALWAYS STOP and get some sausages, we like the cherry,apple, chicken links, or the potato chicken sausages.
Our grandchildren love their teriyaki beef junky and I have bought their smoked Turkey Brest before.
The flavors and quality are the very best, so we are a committed customer.
8. Out'n'About Treehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Shelly A - Yuba City, California
We took our first family vacation here last summer! We had an amazing time. We got lucky and there was a cancellation so we were able to get a room. We stayed in the cabin. All of the amenities and activities are so much fun! There is also a lot to do within driving distance. We visited the caves and went white water rafting on the Rogue River. I would recommend this spot to anyone looking for a fun time!
9. Foris Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Nestled in Oregon's Siskiyou Mountains, the Foris Vineyards produce some notable full-bodied wines.
Reviewed By Tuttidirezioni - Pittsburgh
Nice out of the way vineyard. Friendly tasting and no charge, which is a nice approach. I only tried the reds and one muscatel. Honestly, I didn't like the reds, but everyone has different palates. The muscatel did stand out, with lovely floral notes--more than the italian ones I've sampled in the past. It's a nice wine for a hot summer day, or after a meal.
10. Tiger Preservation Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By LikesAGoodDeal - California
This is a small rescue organization run by a dedicated husband and wife team. There is a large yellow and black sign at the entrance. You follow a fairly rough dirt road to a locked gate. There is parking for a few cars. We arrived at the same time as another couple and they must have already honked their horn because the owner was in the process of opening the gate when we arrived. The owner introduced us to the "guard dog", a female Doberman Pincher, she then wandered off to take a nap.
The entrance fee is $8.00 each. We gave $20 since it was for a good cause. The owner walked us around the property giving the back story on the various cats, wolves, horses, camel, etc. on the property. The animals do not do tricks or receive food reward but most of the big cats came up to the owner as he approached the cage to greet him.
The landscape is not paved and requires walking through grass and the horse paddock to view some of the cats. The horses and camel were calm and approachable. I would recommend for adults and well-behaved children.
Please do not go expecting a polished setup, you will not find it here. If you appreciate that this couple is dedicating their lives to help animals that no one else would care for this is a place you would like to visit.
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