Remote, woodsy neighborhood with a strong community spirit
Ten miles south of Cave Junction is the remote, wooded neighborhood of Takilma. Named after the native Takelma tribe, which has historically called the Illinois Valley home, this community is now known for its farmland and counterculture spirit. In the late 1960s, the “back to the land” movement brought California hippies to southern Oregon. They built a school in Takilma and kickstarted other local organizations, which are still used today. Current-day neighbors gather in the Takilma Community Building for holiday celebrations, private events and informational talks about wildfire prevention. Takilma has always been a place where people respect and work with the land.
Nature hikes for all skill levels
South of the neighborhood, the East Fork Illinois River Trail takes hikers into the Siskiyou Wilderness, stretching all the way into Youngs Valley in California. For a gentler hike, the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside is a dog-friendly, mile-and-a-half-long trail known for its colorful wildflowers that bloom from April through June.
A farm in the forest
Takilma has no stoplights or traffic. One and two-lane country roads stretch past horse pastures, small orchards and trees toward the hills in the distance. “A lot of good people who have been there forever are the farmers,” says Scott Hopson, Broker at Keller Williams Realty Southern Oregon. “Pot growers love it, too.” Homes use well water and septic tanks. A manufactured home with a shed goes for about $245,000, while a fixer upper cabin with some land to cultivate costs about $220,000. Takilma properties are at risk for forest fires as well as flooding along the creeks and the East Fork Illinois River.
An alternative education at Dome School
The nearest public schools are located about 10 miles north. Students may attend Evergreen Elementary, rated C on Niche, Lorna Byrne Middle, rated C-minus and Illinois Valley High, rated C-plus. Lorna Byrne Middle offers a summer leadership academy, which includes field trips to local destinations. Within the neighborhood, Dome School teaches prekindergarten through fifth grade. This private alternative school is not rated on Niche. This school was built by the founders of Takilma in the 1970s and emphasizes non-hierarchical, multi-age classes.
6.5 miles from Redwood Highway
Takilma is 6.5 miles from the nearest major road, Redwood Highway. Its remote nature may work in its favor: “You don’t wanna get close to the main highway,” Hopson says. “There are car chases, drive-by shootings and people abandoning vehicles.” However, the secluded neighborhood is 37 miles from the nearest hospital and 65 miles from Rogue Valley International Medford Airport.
Shopping local at Frog Farm
There are no grocery stores or restaurants within the neighborhood. O’Brien Country Store is 6.5 miles away; for a larger grocery selection, Grocery Outlet in Cave Junction is 9 miles north. The nearest restaurant is McGrew’s Restaurant and Lounge, where guests can enjoy steak, salads and occasional live music. Residents can find locally-grown goods from the neighborhood’s farms. For example, the shop at Frog Farm sells fresh produce, dairy products and seasonal treats. It is open daily.
GreatSchools:
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Own a piece of history! The Waldo Copper Gold Mine consists of 160 acres adjacent to over 8,000 acres of BLM and US Forest Service Land approximately 1 mile to Takima. Access is via BLM and County Roads. There are approximately 80 acres of merchantable timber. Forest Commercial zoning. Possible homesite opportunity- check development options with Josephine County.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
