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BLM Camping

Pacific Crest Trail

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

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is a federal organization that manages and protects one out of every 10 acres in the U.S. Its purpose in doing so is to preserve these public lands so that present and future generations can enjoy them. One such site, the Pacific Crest Trail, stretches for 2,650 miles and runs from Mexico to Canada. A 43-mile section crosses the Cascade Mountains, passing through the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and near several local landmarks, including Pilot Rock and Hobart Bluff. The trail also provides easy access to the Soda Mountain Wilderness and the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area. It’s also located less than two hours from Crater Lake National Park.

The section of the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascade Mountains traverses different landscapes, including rocky areas, meadows and forests. It also varies in difficulty from easy to challenging. Many people choose to backpack along the trail, but you can also search for "BLM camping near me" to find other nearby camping options.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Pilot Rock Trail

The gorgeous Pilot Rock Trail, located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in southwestern Oregon near Ashland, provides access to the Pacific Crest Trail. It also features stunning views of the landscape and Pilot Rock itself.

Length: 2.8 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Little Hyatt Lake via the Pacific Crest Trail

This secluded trail offers beautiful views of the scenery and passes through meadows and wetland areas. Little Hyatt Lake via the Pacific Crest Trail is also located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument.

Length: 3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Lost Creek Falls Trail

This trail, which is in the town of Eagle Point in southwest Oregon, is not always well-marked, but it offers scenic views of the creek and the falls.

Length: 2.2 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Buck Rock Tunnel

Found in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, this trail passes through meadows and forested areas and is perfect for viewing wildflowers during the spring and summer months.

Length: 3.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Soda Mountain

Located in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, this trail offers some uphill climbs for those hikers who are looking for a bit of a challenge.

Length: 4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Hyatt Lake, which is located in the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, offers excellent bass and trout fishing. The lake is a no-wake area, but boaters can still enjoy a day on the water, and there are several boat ramps. Many anglers also head to Johnson or Jenny Creek to catch redband trout, which are only found in certain areas around the country.

Climbing

Greensprings Summit, located right near the Pacific Crest Trail in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, offers excellent traditional, top-rope and sport climbs. There are about 30 routes of varying difficulty in the area. Nearby Emigrant Lake also offers 27 climbs of different skill levels. Most of these routes are sport and top-rope with a few traditional climbs.

Wildlife Viewing

Visitors often spot wildlife along the Pacific Crest Trail or in other locations throughout the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. Common species include squirrels, marmots, deer, songbirds and ducks. Lucky visitors may spot a bobcat, bear, eagle or mountain lion. The area is also home to a wide variety of butterflies.

Picnicking

The Hyatt Lake Picnic Playground, located in the Hyatt Lake Recreation Area, offers fire pits and picnic tables. The lake also provides easy access to fishing and hiking options.

Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing

During the winter, snow can become quite deep along the Pacific Crest Trail, making it ideal for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Other nearby trails, such as the Soda Mountain trail, are also a good option for winter recreation.

Horseback Riding

The Pacific Crest Trail was specifically designed for hiking and horseback riding, and equestrians can travel along most parts of the trail. There are also many other nearby trails that are ideal for horseback riding.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

RV camping options with amenities are available at Emigrant Lake County Park, which is right next to the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The park features two camping areas. Each one provides sites with full hookups and beautiful views of the lake. Ashland’s Creekside Campground and RV Park offers sites with either partial or full hookups depending on your needs. A dump station and laundry area are located at the campground, and there are restrooms and showers.

Free Camping

You can enjoy Bureau of Land Management free camping throughout the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, which parts of the Pacific Crest Trail pass through. Travelers can go BLM RV camping at Hyatt Lake Recreation Area campgrounds. These facilities do not offer any RV hookups, but some provide water, vault restrooms, flush toilets and hot showers.

RV Rentals Near Pacific Crest Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Pacific Crest Trail BLM trip

The area around Oregon’s section of the Pacific Crest Trail sees mild summer temperatures but cold, snowy winters. The trail is open year-round, but snow can sometimes make the trail impassable. Check the weather forecast before you head out, and look for recent reviews of the trail to gauge its condition.

The trail is for non-motorized use only. Even mountain biking is prohibited, and only hikers and horseback riders should use the trail. The route also occasionally crosses from BLM lands to private lands. Be respectful of private property, and always stay on the trail if you’re crossing a privately owned area.

Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

It’s important to utilize Leave No Trace policies to limit your impact on wild landscapes and protect Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, hiking trails and preserves. For example, the Pacific Crest Trail is maintained by volunteers from the Pacific Crest Trail Association, and you can help them by picking up any litter you see and disposing of your trash in the correct bins. When building campfires, check the fire danger rating, and only start a fire in an enclosed ring or pit. Use firewood that you gathered from the area, and don’t import any firewood from anywhere else. Share the trail, and be mindful of other hikers, the landscape and any wildlife you see.

Pacific Crest Trail Location

There are many ways to access the Pacific Crest Trail, but one of the most common, and easily accessible, is Greensprings Summit. From Ashland, head east on Highway 66 toward Klamath Falls. Continue for 17 miles until you reach the parking area and trailhead. You’ll need to follow the trail north for six miles to Hyatt Lake or south for 12 miles to Pilot Rock, Hobart Bluff and Soda Mountain.

Ready to visit the Pacific Crest 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.