Wild and Scenic Illinois River, Oregon

Road Guide (PDF) 856 kb

The Wild and Scenic Illinois River corridor has many low elevation hikes that make great day hikes during the winter when high elevation trails are snowed in. The lower section of the river goes through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and is one of the most scenic and remote white water rafting opportunities in the United States. The river is a popular refuge to cool off during hot summer days.

Directions

Map showing Highway 199 - Selma area and the turnoff to the scenic river corridor Follow Highway 199 to Selma located about 20 miles out of Grants Pass. Turn at the flashing yellow light at the corner with the large market (the other flashing yellow light in Selma is at the intersection for the road to Lake Selmac). Be certain to turn on to Illinois River Road (past the post office). If you go the other way you will be on Deer Creek Road.

Safety

The road is a two lane, divided road for the first seven miles and then narrows to a single lane road with occasional turnouts for vehicles to pass. In this section, drive slowly and watch for on-coming vehicles. If you meet a vehicle coming from the other direction, pull into the nearest turnout to allow the vehicle to pass.

Swimming in wild and scenic rivers can subject both experienced and inexperienced swimmers to hazard that they are unfamilar with including sharp drop-offs and swift water. If you are visiting the Wild and Scenic Illinois River with the intention of swimming, assure you are prepared with the proper safety equipment to provide a safe swimming experience for all members of your group.

Many parts of the forest along the road into the Wild and Scenic Illinois River were burned in the 2002 Biscuit Fire. A burned forest has hazards that may be unfamiliar to even experienced hikers. Be extra vigilant when hiking in these areas especially during days with high wind or precipitation.

Road into Wild and Scenic Illinois River, Highway 199, Selma, Oregon

Parking Rules

There are many places along the paved road where the river offers swimming and picnicking opportunities. There are many places where visitors can park their vehicles off to the side of the road. However, the Forest Service must keep the road open, especially during summer months, for fire trucks, search and rescue teams, and other emergency staff. For this reason, all vehicles must park behind the white line on the shoulders of the road.

Hiking Trails along the Wild and Scenic Scenic River

The map below shows eleven miles of the paved part of Illinois River Road. The remaining ten miles beyond the map to the Kalmiopsis wilderness a rough gravel and cobble surfaced road that may not be suitable for all makes of cars. Black lines indicated paved road. Gray lines indicate gravel surfaced roads. Details of each hike can be found on the linked page.

Map of the road into the Wild and Scenic Illinois River access, Highway 199, Selma, southwest Oregon Siskiyou Mountains

1) Lone Pine Prospect Trail: This is a steady climb following an old prospect road through a deep stand of fir and pine to a geologic boundary where plant communities growing on serpentine rock make a dramatic change in appearance.

2) Snailback Falls Hike: A steep climb through plant communities growing on serpentine rock takes you to a ridge where the geology changes and a deep forest covers the trail as it follows the contour past an old mining claim and ends at the base of Snailback Falls.

3) Kerby Flat Trail: A historic trail takes you down a gentle slope to Deer Creek and the Star Flat darlingtonia fen in the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area.

4) Horn Bend Trail: This is a steep hike of about half a mile down an old road to an interesting geologic area of colorful chert rock.

5) Store Gulch: A historic cabin is located across the street from the parking area for a short trail to the river. Picnic tables and a camping site are in a deeply shaded site next to the trailhead.

6) Swinging Bridge: The swinging bridge is a fun driving destination that offers a view of the river and Rancheria Creek canyon.

7) Fall Creek Trail: Both the bridge and the cantilever trail are missing in the narrows at the mouth of this canyon. Hikers who want to see the old mining operations and geology up the canyon will need to wade up stream. High water in the winter could make this very hazardous. The forest was heavily burned in the upper part of this drainage. Be certain you understand the hazards of hiking in a heavily burned forest.

8) Rancheria Creek Road to Chetco Pass: During the winter months, this road makes a nice hike that takes you into the serpentine region near Pearsoll Peak and some chrome mining operations.

9) Deep Gorge Trail (formerly Hill Place Trail): A half mile hike that follows a road to a remote section of river below an old chrome mine with and exposures of upper mantle rock.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...