Photo: Gary Halvorson, Oregon State Archives, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Illinois River Forks State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 34–76 °F | 46–94 °F | 36–87 °F | 32–55 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Cave Junction 1 Wnw, 1 mi away, elevation 1,377 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Illinois River Forks State Park is a public state park in Oregon in Josephine County. Spanning 400 acres, the park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| County | Josephine County |
| Park Size | 400 acres |
Location & Getting There
Illinois River Forks State Park is located in Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 42.1567, -123.6581.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Illinois River Forks State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Illinois River Forks State Park sits at the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Illinois River — one of Oregon’s wildest and most botanically diverse river systems. The Illinois River flows through the Kalmiopsis Wilderness — named for Kalmiopsis leachiana, a rare primitive rhododendron that has survived since the Tertiary Period (5-65 million years ago). The region’s serpentine soils — derived from ancient ocean floor rocks — create harsh growing conditions that support an extraordinary number of endemic plants found nowhere else on Earth. The Illinois River is a federally designated Wild and Scenic River with legendary Class IV-V whitewater. The river supports wild salmon and steelhead. Pacific fishers — weasel-like predators — are found in the surrounding forest.
Nearby Attractions
Kalmiopsis Wilderness is one of the most botanically diverse areas in North America. Rogue River — one of the original National Wild and Scenic Rivers — offers world-class rafting and fishing. Cave Junction is the gateway to Oregon Caves National Monument — Oregon’s only cave national monument featuring marble caverns. Great Cats World Park showcases wild cats from around the world. Grants Pass offers Rogue River jet boat trips. Applegate Valley wine region produces award-winning wines.
More parks nearby: Alfred A. Loeb State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Winchuck State Recreation Site lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Illinois River Forks State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Illinois River Forks State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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