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Oregon Caves Highway, Siskiyou Mountains, Oregon
Photo: Dicie Hinaga · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Drives Oregon Southern Oregon

Oregon Caves Highway

OR 46, Caves Highway · Cave Junction → Oregon Caves

Twisty19 mi30 min3,100 ft climbHigh point ≈ 3,900 ftOne way
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The drive

Oregon 46 climbs from Cave Junction on US 199 into the Siskiyou Mountains to Oregon Caves National Monument. The monument parking lot is about 20 miles from Cave Junction, and the Park Service says to allow about 50 minutes.

The road gets tighter as it climbs: the last 8 miles are narrow, steep and winding, with blind corners.

Along the way

  1. Cave Junction (US-199)
  2. Oregon Caves
Elevation
3,100 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 3,900 ft
Cave JunctionOregon Caves
Curves
Mostly moderate, with one twisty stretch
Cave JunctionOregon Caves
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • The Park Service does not recommend large RVs and travel trailers, and discourages them beyond Grayback Campground.
  • Deer jump into the road, so stay in your lane.
  • Don't rely on GPS from the east; it may route you through Williams onto steep gravel roads.
  • Hwy 46 can close briefly in ice or snow.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check National Park Service: Oregon Caves road closures.

Questions about this drive

How long does the Oregon Caves Highway take?

Highway 46 from Cave Junction to Oregon Caves is 19 miles and takes about 30 minutes of driving.

Can RVs drive to Oregon Caves?

The Park Service says large RVs and travel trailers are not recommended.

Is the road to Oregon Caves twisty?

Yes. It is rated Twisty, and the last 8 miles are narrow, steep and winding.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Oregon Caves Highway, from Cave Junction to Oregon Caves