The Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument near Ashland not only commands dramatic views, but it also contains an intriguing mixture of plants. The Soda Mountain Wilderness, in the heart of the monument, stands at the junction of three biologic regions, where fir forests from the Cascades mingle with sagebrush from the High Desert and droopy incense cedars from the Siskiyous.

The lookout atop Soda Mountain is the area’s most popular goal, but adventurous hikers can discover to two stunning viewpoints nearby: Little Pilot Peak and Boccard Point.

From Ashland . . .

The 1933-vintage fire lookout tower atop the peak is staffed from early June to early October. Labels above the windows identify dozens of landmarks in each direction, but you won’t need any help spotting snowy Mt. Shasta above the Klamath River canyon. Note the river’s Irongate Reservoir, and broad Shasta Valley to the right. Farther to the right are Mt. Eddy (with a snow patch), the Trinity Alps, the Marble Mountains, and nearby Pilot Rock’s knob.

On your way down it’s slightly shorter—and less scenic—to follow . . .

For the longer hike to Boccard Point, continue . . .

Other Options

For a shorter viewpoint hike . . .

This chapter is an excerpt from 100 Hikes: Southern Oregon