Cave Junction is located in Josephine County east of Brookings, between Kerby and O'Brien along Hwy 199 near the Illinois River and the California/Oregon border. Also nestled in the mountains known as the Siskiyous in the Klamath Range.
Prior to European settlers, the Takelmas had lived in the area for thousands of years. Jedediah Smith was probably the first white man to enter the southern Oregon Territory. While leading a company of American fur trappers 1828. Lumber production took over after W W I I. There were reported to be over 30 saw mills in the valley at one time.
Cave Junction is the commercial, service, and cultural center for a rural community of small farms, woodlots, crafts people, and families just living apart from the crowds. The Oregon Caves National Monument, by Cave Junction, was recognized nationally in 1909 by President Taft. Another popular attraction for this area is the Kerbyville Museum.
The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 1,337, an increase of 211 since 1990.