About The Illinois River Valley
Located in beautiful Southwest Oregon, the Illinois Valley region is possessed of one primary and significant natural resource - the great outdoors!  Ask any person who has lived in or visited the valley what they remember most and it will most likely be a swimming hole, a stretch of river, an old growth forest, a beautiful view or some other natural beauty our area has been blessed with. The home of the Shining Stars is like a living museum - representing what once was natural and true all across our dear Mother Earth.

The Rivers
With less than one percent of the fresh water on our Earth’s surface as clean and clear as the waters flowing through our valley’s creeks and rivers, it is truly a dream destination for swimmers, fishers and nature enthusiasts.  Hanging on to survival are some of the last native salmon runs in the world.  Still wild and free, our salmon are not yet impacted by genetically altered fish hatchery raised stock.  

Vegetation
The diversity of intact populations of rare plants and the sheer numbers of tree species make this place a biological hotspot of global concern.  A visit to the Rough and Ready Creek watershed can score you a glimpse of extrememley rare plants, including a carnivorous one.  Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, various Pine species, Manzanita and Madrone are just the beginning of the list of trees found in the area. 

Mountains
Surrounded by mountains, in a region unspoiled by industrialization, the air is remarkably clean.  The valley's most famous landmark is the Oregon Caves National Monument, located in the mountains to the east of the Illinois Valley.  From the tops of any mountain that surrounds our valley, you will find a view like no other.

Things to do

Shopping
Our area may not offer the conveniences of large super stores but all basic needs can be met at the local grocery and hardware stores, locally owned toy store, and pharmacies.  More notably, our area is rich with talent that creates some of the most beautiful and unique art, furniture, pottery and other hand crafted goods.  Be sure to stop by BeBe's store in downtown Cave Junction to view a sample of the artwork of 75+ artists, and you can't miss It's a Burl as you drive thru Historic Kerby.

Schools
The valley is served by the Three Rivers School District and has public schools for K thru 12 in the town of Cave Junction.  The Christian Academy, Madrone Adventist Elementary, The Dome School and home schooling are popular alternatives to public education.

Community
Our community is above all proud of our area and eager to preserve a way of life that is quickly diminishing.  The Illinois Valley Community Response Team has facilitated the development of many educational, business development and recreation oppportunities since it's start in the early 1990's. We have many clubs and organizations focused at providing sports and recreation to our youth.  The Shining Stars hopes to nourish these programs thru the fundraising at the Shining Stars Festival.