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 was established in 1946 to encourage homesteading as the United States began to acquire new land in the west. As the US began to develop and as new values and goals took root, the agency shifted its goal to preserve the historical value and natural beauty of public land. To achieve this newfound goal, the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds charge visitors a fee for using the amenities found there, which includes state and national parks.
Soda Mountain Wilderness was designated in 2009, and it currently has around 24,700 acres of land. This entire region is located within Oregon and, naturally, falls under the responsibility of the BLM. The geography of the region is diverse, thanks to being in a zone where Oregon's deserts meet fir forests. This wilderness offers visitors the opportunity to go hiking on numerous trails, view wildlife, and camp. Additionally, it is also located only 138 miles away from the famous Redwood National Park in California.
The Pilot Rock Trail is an out-and-back trek that sees an elevation gain of 810 feet, and that takes hikers around one hour and 41 minutes to complete. It is a difficult trail, thanks to the ice that can form in the area, as well as the challenging climbing required in certain sections.
Length: 2.8 miles
Intensity: Hard
Pilot Rock via the PCT is another looping trail that sees an elevation gain of 2,040 feet and will take a hiker on average four hours and 55 minutes to complete due to its difficulty. Climbing up Pilot Rock is the most difficult part of the trail, but you'll be rewarded with a view of Mount Shasta.
Length: 8.8 miles
Intensity: Hard
This is a point-to-point trail that sees an elevation gain of 2,404 feet and takes six and a half hours to complete. The Pilot Rock and Little Pilot Peak via the PCT trail is considered a challenge even for experienced hikers due to the vertical climb you must complete in a certain section. Be sure to wear the appropriate gear when taking this trek.
Length: 12.1 miles
Intensity: Hard
The Hobart Bluff trail is an out-and-back trail that sees an elevation gain of 413 feet and will take you around one hour and 17 minutes to complete. Thanks to the difficulty rating, this trail is quite popular for bird watching and the expansive view at the highest point. You can see Pilot Rock, Mount McLoughlin, and Ashland.
Length: 2.5 miles
Intensity: Moderate
If you are looking for a good fishing spot, then Hyatt Lake is what you need. It offers fish such as rainbow trout, bullhead catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. Trout will be what you mainly see, and that's because fishing for them can be done throughout the year. Additionally, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout during April and May.
If you find excitement in climbing, then you don't need to look further than Pilot Rock to fill that void. Pilot Rock is a popular climbing spot since it has stunning views of the Siskyou mountains at its peak of 5,960 feet. While this is a challenging climb, it offers steady footholds and handholds, so you don't need to be an expert to try it out.
Wildlife viewing in the Soda Mountain Wilderness is a treat for all animal enthusiasts. Mountain lions, elk, black bears, snowshoe hares, otters, and yellow-bellied marmots can all be found in the area. Additionally, you can view a wide range of birds that number at least 200 different species. Some of these birds are rufous hummingbirds, spotted owls, and the black-billed magpie.
BLM RV camping is available mainly through the nearby Hyatt Lake Campground, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is located close to the nearby Cascade–Siskiyou National Monument and offers visitors the opportunity to hike, boat, and fish. The campground is open May through September and holds 44 campsites that can fit RVs up to 50 feet long for up to two weeks at a time. Amenities offered by Hyatt Lake Campground include fire pits, a dump station, a boat ramp, flush toilets, and a fish cleaning station.
Looking for Bureau of Land Management free camping near this area is easy since the BLM allows for dispersed backcountry camping. That means that you may set up camp in an isolated region so long as you obey the local guidelines for camping and follow the Leave No Trace rules.
We understand the feeling of wanting to jump into a new adventure, but an RV trip isn't something that can be done without careful planning. Before you leave, you'll want to have a campsite or campground in mind for your stay. Wherever you decide to stay, it must meet several requirements, such as amenities and camping guidelines. Some sites do not allow campers to gather firewood, bring a pet, or have more than a certain number of people. Think about this when picking where you'll stay.
Next, you'll want to see if your campsite offers reservations. This will ensure that you have a spot available for you instead of being forced to scramble at the last second to find accommodations. You can choose to stay in a primitive site, but keep in mind that those campgrounds work on a first-come, first-served basis and don't offer many amenities.
Finally, you should check the local camping guidelines. Knowing this will save you a whole bunch of trouble and will keep you safe from danger. These guidelines include activities such as where you can start a campfire and how to interact with dangerous wildlife.
Still asking yourself things like, "How do I find BLM camping near me?" It's not easy planning such a large trip, so if you have concerns about RV camping, be sure to check out our blog about BLM camping.
Make sure that you leave no trace behind when you are finished camping. That means using an appropriate dump to dispose of trash and following camping etiquette. This also covers how you should interact with wildlife, and, for the most part, it means that you should keep a respectful distance to ensure everyone's safety.
To get to Soda Mountain, you need to head north of the California/Oregon border next to Interstate 5. The best way to get there is by following Hwy 66 near the town of Ashland, Oregon. The address of the local BLM office is 3040 Biddle Rd, Medford, OR 97504.
Ready to visit the Soda Mountain Wilderness? 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 a nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
