The best walks and hikes in Red Buttes Wilderness

Mount Elijah, situated in the Siskiyou Mountains of southwestern Oregon, stands at an elevation of approximately 6,411 feet and is part of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Located near Oregon Caves National Monument, you can access the trail to Mount Elijah from within the boundaries of the monument itself, starting at the visitor center. The hike from begins and ends along the popular Big Tree Trail, where you climb through lush forests and past marble formations, offering glimpses of the unique geology and diverse plant life of the Klamath-Siskiyou region. The region is rich in biodiversity, featuring coniferous forests, alpine meadows, and wildlife such as black bears and deer. As part of the geologically complex Klamath-Siskiyou region, Mount Elijah is composed of ancient rocks and is a popular destination for hiking and camping. You can also access the mountain from outside of the monument via the Bigelow Lakes-Mount Elijah Loop Trail, which provides stunning views of the surrounding wilderness, including the Illinois Valley.

No Name Trail in Oregon Caves National Monument is a scenic 1.3-mile trail starting from an archway behind the Visitor Center. The trail follows Cave Creek, features a covered bridge, and offers a steep climb with a 250-foot elevation gain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the forest sounds from several benches and explore two short trails leading to waterfalls on No Name Creek. This short but steep hike, taking about 45 minutes to an hour, is a popular return route to the parking lot after cave tours.

The Big Tree Trail is a popular trail in the Oregon Caves National Monument. The trail begins at an archway behind the visitor center and if you complete the full loop, it is just over 3 miles, with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. This section of the Big Tree Trail is where most of the elevation is gained; you switchback up a steep climb through mountain meadows, dense forests, and past the widest Douglas fir tree known in Oregon! You also take the Big Tree Trail if climbing up to Mount Elijah, one of the longer and more challenging hikes in the area.

The Cliff Nature Trail in Oregon Caves National Monument is a scenic 1-mile loop starting behind the visitor center and ending near the cave entrance. The trail gains 370 feet in elevation and reaches a high point of 4,320 feet; it climbs to a viewpoint with stone benches, offering panoramic views of the Illinois Valley, then descends back through the forest. It's family-friendly, features wildlife, and intersects with the Big Tree Trail if you want to add more mileage to your hike.

The Oregon Caves Visitor Center is open from spring through fall. It offers cave tour ticket sales, information, exhibits on the Oregon Caves and Siskiyou Mountains, Junior Ranger programs, and a bookstore. Visitors can access several popular hiking trails from here, including the Cliff Nature Trail and Big Tree Trail. The visitor center is also where you meet for guided cave tours. The caves are only accessible if you are a part of a guided tour with a ranger (please visit https://www.nps.gov/orca/planyourvisit/cave-tours.htm for more information on the cave tours). Due to high demand in summer, it is recommended to check current conditions and purchase tickets at the Illinois Valley Visitor Center, which is located in Cave Junction at the bottom of Cave Highway.

Although the PCT will not take you into the Red Buttes Wilderness, you get a glimpse of its beauty while you hike along the Red Butte. The view is just stunning.