The East Fork of the Illinois River is seen from the bridge south of Cave Junction, looking northwest, at about 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Wissler)
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PHOTOS: High waters after two days of continuous rain

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After two days of continuous rainfall, the Illinois River flow peaked at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The USGS gauge at Kerby measured 21.3 feet, well below the flood stage of 35 feet.

Still, areas of Illinois River Forks State Park, including many of the trails, were flooded on Tuesday afternoon, and residents reported localized flooding throughout the Illinois Valley.

According to Illinois Valley News weather reporter Chris Granville, 2.2 inches of rain was recorded in Selma over 24 hours: between 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, and 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

The West Fork of the Illinois River at Illinois River Forks State Park is flooded on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. The flooding extended into a picnic area and blocked access to the trails on the north side of the park.
(Photo by Forrest Roth for the Illinois Valley News)
Oregon State Parks Ranger David Maynard clears a culvert at the Illinois River Forks State Park on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
(Photo courtesy of Michelle Windust)
Caution tape marks the area where a bank has eroded along the East Fork of the Illinois River at Illinois River Forks State Park around 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
(Photo by Forrest Roth for the Illinois Valley News)
The parking lot of Zachary Robinson’s veterinary clinic was flooded on Tuesday, Feb. 24. Robinson was still taking clients, who reportedly lined up along the street while Robinson waded out in rubber boots.
(Photo by Forrest Roth for the Illinois Valley News)
Rough and Ready Creek, near O’Brien, was flowing actively on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.
(Photo by Shannon Long for the Illinois Valley News)

Forrest Roth grew up in Cave Junction and is the editor of the Illinois Valley News. He can be reached at forrest@theivnews.com.