Directions

Important Travel Information for Oregon Caves National Monument

Do not rely on GPS or Google Maps for directions, especially from the east, as these often direct you through Williams, Oregon then up and over confusing mountainous-gravel roads that are not suitable for all vehicles.

Travel Time and Route Details

Give yourself 50-minutes from Cave Junction to the Oregon Caves Visitor Center. The road is narrow, steep, and winding to the parking lot, and then there is a 900-foot walk to reach the visitor center. Large RVs and travel trailers are not recommended.

Directions from Grants Pass (I-5):

1. Take Exit 58 to merge onto NE 6th St/OR-99.
2. Continue for 3 miles.
3. Turn right onto US-199 toward Cave Junction (29 miles).
4. In Cave Junction, turn left onto OR-46. Visit the Illinois Valley Visitor Center to buy your tickets if you do not have a reservation.
5. Follow OR-46 for 20 miles to the monument parking lot. (The drive and 900 ft walk to the Visitor Center takes 50-minutes from Cave Junction.)

Directions from Crescent City, California:

1. Drive north on US-101.
2. Take Exit 794 to merge onto US-199 toward Grants Pass/I-5.
3. In Cave Junction, turn right onto OR-46. Visit the Illinois Valley Visitor Center to buy your tickets if you do not have a reservation.
4. Follow OR-46 for 20 miles to the monument parking lot.
   • (From Cave Junction, the drive and walk takes one hour.)

Directions from Brookings, Oregon:

1. Drive south on US-101.
2. Turn left onto CA-197.
3. Turn left onto US-199 toward Grants Pass/I-5.
4. In Cave Junction, turn right at OR-46, and consider stopping at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center for updates.
5. Follow OR-46 for 20 miles to the monument parking lot. (The drive and 900 ft walk to the Visitor Center takes 50-minutes from Cave Junction.)

Narrow, Winding Road

The last 8 miles of OR-46 are narrow, steep, and winding. Stay in your lane, and watch for blind corners and wildlife. Deer commonly jump out in front of cars. For those prone to car sickness, the winding road might be challenging, so plan accordingly. Large RVs and trailers are discouraged beyond Grayback Campground..