Soda Mountain

Soda Mountain 

Soda Mountain Wilderness

Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 5 miles 
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Best Time to Go: Spring-Fall

About this Hike

This hike is along the Pacific Crest Trail, and gains a considerable amount of elevation. At the top you'll have breathtaking views of Mount Shasta, Mount Ashland, Pilot Rock and more. Head south on the PCT for 1.1 miles, and then turn left when you come to a trail junction. Follow this trail up switchbacks for 0.2 miles until you come to a steep dirt road. Go right on the road and continue for 0.8 miles to reach the summit. If you're exploring this area in the summer, the fire lookout at the summit may be staffed. 

About the Area

Soda Mountain is at the junction of three different biological regions, which makes its plant and wildlide exceptionally diverse. It's located in the Soda Mountain Wilderness, which only recently gained protection when President Barack Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act (HR 146) into law in March of 2009. 

Getting There

1. Take exit 14 in Ashland off of Interstate 5 and head east on Highway 66 toward Klamath Falls for 14.5 miles. 

2. Turn right on Soda Mountain Road 39-3E-32.3 and follow this narrow gravel road for 3.7 miles.

3. Once you reach a large set of power lines in a grassy area, park on the right just beyond the powerlines. 

4. Look for small brown posts marking the PCT, where you will begin. 

Photo by Dave Willis