Grizzly Peak Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Grizzly Peak Trail is a short hike in Oregon with a rewarding view at the end. Opportunities such as these are possible thanks to the Bureau of Land Management, which is part of the Department of the Interior. The BLM manages approximately 10% of all land inside the United States with the expressed goals of preserving these places for the future while permitting versatile use and enjoyment by people today. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds let you park your RV in the wonders of nature, and the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, where the Grizzly Peak Trail is located, is certainly one place to consider. This ecological masterpiece centers on the convergence of three very unique mountain ranges. The Siskiyou, Klamath, and Cascade Mountain ranges merge here for unrivaled biological diversity and a treasure trove of different landscapes. See quite a few of them from the end of the Grizzly Peak hike in a National Monument dating back to the turn of the century. Head southwest to Redwood National Park for the continent's tallest trees, or go northeast to Crater Lake National Park for the country's deepest lake, which sits in a dormant volcano.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Grizzly Peak Trail

This is a family-friendly trail, and it's only a dozen miles east of the city of Ashland. Hike through the remains of a wildfire, a mixed forest of pine and fir, and a bonanza of summertime wildflowers. Grizzly Peak tops out at 5,922 ft, and various points on this trail can give you views of Ashland and Rogue Valley. You can also see Diamond Peak, Mt. Shasta, and Mt. McLoughlin in the Cascade Mountains. Length: 3 miles Intensity: Easy to moderate

Green Springs Mountain Loop Trail

Also near Ashland, this is another easy route that should only take 70 min to finish. The trail is popular for both running and hiking, but you're not likely to find too many people here if you like a quiet, secluded time in nature. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Easy

Pilot Rock Trail

For something more challenging, hit this trail. Expect to share the trail with others. The months of May through October usually have the best weather. Length: 2.8 miles Intensity: Hard

Hunting and Fishing

Hunting and fishing are both permitted on monument lands, but you should note that private land boundaries aren't always clearly marked. Respect and avoid private lands whenever possible. Hunting is regulated in the monument by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Contact them for regulations that might apply at the time of your trip.

Climbing

The only place in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument where technical climbing is permitted is Pilot Rock. That spot has seven routes, and four of them already have fixed anchors placed in conservative positions. You need BLM authorization to place new fixed anchors. Pilot Rock is closed on the east and south sides from the start of February to the end of July each year in order to protect the nests of peregrine falcons.

Wildlife Viewing

Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument hosts many species of wildlife. They include small mammals, bears, deer, and mountain lions. Birdwatchers enjoy coming here for peregrine falcons, songbirds, eagles, and other various raptors.

Winter Activities

The Buck Prairie Nordic Trail System has over 32 miles of interconnected trails where you can enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The Table Mountain Winter Play Area has a gravity sled hill for slow sledding and tubing.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Searching for "BLM camping near me" can show you places to stay close to home, but there are also camping opportunities around this part of Oregon. For instance, RV camping is possible at Hyatt Lake Campground, which is the only campground in the monument that has been developed. Here, you can go boating, fishing, camping, and hiking. Nightly fees and reservations are required for the 70 campsites. Once here, you can enjoy boat ramps and docks, flush toilets, showers, an RV dump station, and a playground.

Free Camping

If you want primitive camping for free, then check out Wildcat Campground. A dozen campsites at this Bureau of Land Management free camping location share two vault toilets and an undeveloped boat launch. The setting is considerably more open than Hyatt Lake Campground.

RV Rentals Near Grizzly Peak Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Grizzly Peak Trail BLM trip

Grizzly Peak Trail is technically open all year long, but snow can make it impossible for vehicles to reach the trailhead. The trailhead has restrooms, but you need to bring your own drinking water. Trailhead parking is available for 10 vehicles maximum. Share the trail with hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about RV camping.

Leave No Trace

Enjoying these lands is a privilege that also comes with the responsibility of preserving things for other visitors, now and in the future. Practicing the seven principles of backcountry hiking, "Leave No Trace", is a great idea, no matter how primitive your camping might be. Plan ahead with the right preparations before your trip, and try to only do your travel and camping on the most durable surfaces that won't suffer from your presence. Dispose of all your trash and waste properly without impacting local ecosystems or geography, and leave anything you find where it is. If you're allowed to do a campfire, minimize the impact of it. Always respect the wildlife around you, and be considerate of other visitors and campers.

Grizzly Peak Trail Location

The official address for the Grizzly Peak Trail is Medford District Office, 3040 Biddie Road, Medford, OR 97504. Start your journey on Interstate 5, and head to Exit 14. Once there, turn east onto Highway 66. Follow that for a quarter of a mile before making a left turn onto Dead Indian Memorial Road. Follow that for 6.7 mi before making a left onto Shale City Road, also known as road #38-2E-27. Take that for three miles before making a left turn onto road #38-2E-9.2. Drive two miles to reach the trailhead. Ready to visit Grizzly Peak Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.