In the heart of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, you’ll find the world-renown Pacific Crest Trail. The PCT, which takes dedicated hikers on the 2,650-mile trek from Mexico to Canada, passes through Southern Oregon, allowing for some incredible hiking opportunities for locals.
Along the PCT lies Soda Mountain, a beautifully majestic hike with some of the most amazing views of Mount Shasta, Klamath River Canyon and the Irongate Reservoir. From the parking lot, take the PCT south for 1.1 miles through fields of wildflowers. During the early summer, you’ll see clouds of migrating butterflies flying through the wildflower fields, which include purple larkspur and red paintbrush. Be sure to watch for signage as you make your way, as the turn to the Soda Mountain Spur Trail on the left that takes you off of the PCT is easy to miss. The quarter-mile spur trail takes you up to “Soda Mountain Lookout Road”, which is a climb, but well worth the views as you ascend to the top near the watchtower. From the top, you will discover mighty Mount Shasta, Mount McLoughlin, Mount Eddy, Pilot Rock, and California’s Trinity Alps.
Soda Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 Feet
Restrooms: Pit toilets near trailhead
Optimal Season: May to October
This location is great for family adventures, trail running, dog walking and bird watching! Equestrian is also allowed on the trail, but only on the PCT trail section. All or four-wheel drive is recommended but not required, and be sure to watch out for poison oak and some steep ledges along your journey.
Take I-5 South toward Ashland. Take exit 14 and turn left on OR-66 East/ Ashland Street. Continue on OR-66 for 15 miles. Turn right at Soda Mountain Road. Take Soda Mountain Road 2.3 miles. This is a dirt road. All-wheel / four-wheel drive is recommended but not entirely necessary. This road legally takes you past and through private property and some ominous signage. Press on until you reach the parking area. Once parked you will see the Pacific Crest Trail and signage for Hobart Bluff. Take the trail on the opposite side of the parking area from the Hobart Bluff Trail. Look for the Pacific Crest Trail southbound, marked with a Pacific Crest Trail blaze.
