This site was last sampled by Rogue Riverkeeper on 8/31/22. During 2022, according to Rogue Riverkeeper's sampling this site met the OR standard for water contact safety 5 out of 5 times. This first sampling event of the season was 7/7/22.

There has been recent concern regarding the water quality at this location. Rogue Riverkeeper samples for E. coli, which is the Oregon standard for water contact safety and is an indicator of fecal contamination, a common source of disease. Rogue Riverkeeper has sampled at this location several times this summer and this location has not been close to violating the Oregon water contact standard at any time this summer. There are other substances found in water that can make people sick that Rogue Riverkeeper does not sample and analyze for. Always use your own best judgment when considering safety. To stay updated on Rogue Riverkeeper's water monitoring and other work, go to our website www.rogueriverkeeper.org and sign up for Rogue Riverkeeper's email news at the bottom of the home page, or follow Rogue Riverkeeper on Instagram or Facebook.

Forks State Park is located just south of the town of Cave Junction, OR and accessed by the Frontage Road off of Hwy. 199. The Frontage Rd. turn off to the park is clearly signed on the west side of Hwy. 199, a few hundred yards south of the Hwy. 199 bridge crossing the East Fork of the Illinois River. This park is a convenient stop if one is heading to or from the Oregon coast or the giant redwoods on Hwy. 199. Located at the confluence of the east and west forks of the Illinois River, the park offers picnic tables and restrooms (vault toilet) and large shade trees next to a long calm section of the river. There is a short walking trail near the picnic area and a 9-hole disc golf course. Picnic shelter reservable for up to 50 people.

The Illinois Valley is a unique geologic area and home to several species of rare plants and provides many sites to access public land such as the Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve, the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside, and the Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Wayside. There are numerous locations to swim in the area at public lands access points along the Illinois River.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Illinois River, West Fork at Forks State Park and 8,000 other beaches.