This location is on the California/Oregon border. I’m on top of Pilot Rock. In the far distance on the left is Mt. Shasta. To the right, and out of view in this picture, is Mt. Ashland.

Posted on September 17th, 2009 under nature, places. Tags: mt. shasta, pilot rock. Comments: 1

Photo taken in September of 2007

Pilot Rock isn’t technically in Ashland. It is on the California/Oregon border just south of Ashland and can be seen from many vantage points in Ashland. The landmark can also be climbed. The views from the top are spectacular on a clear day. One can see Mt. Ashland (in the background above), Mt. Shasta, and much more.

Getting there can be tricky and climbing it can be even worse. I don’t recommend the climb for kids or for those not in decent shape. To get there get off at the Mt. Ashland Exit on I-5 (Exit 6). Get on the east side of the freeway heading south on Old Highway 99 (which doesn’t resemble a highway anymore and may even turn into dirt and rocks if memory serves). Make a left just beyond the crest onto a likely unmarked Pilot Rock Road 40-2E-33. The road immediately splits. Take the left. Drive about 2 miles before turning left. Turn right onto Road 41-2E-3 (again, probably not marked) where there is a large plateau area. After another half mile you will keep right when the road splits. Another .2 miles later you will cross the Pacific Crest Trail. There is a small parking area on the right.

After parking you begin your Pilot Rock ascent by walking across the road and getting on the Pacific Crest Trail for about 900 feet. Stay right and you’ll eventually see Pilot Rock and be able to take it from there. When you get to the rock itself, stay left against the wall.

Make sure to bring water and wear high tops or your shoes will fill up with small rocks. Bug repellent is also a good thing to bring along in certain seasons. The above lizard lives off of the little guys.

Posted on August 26th, 2008 under nature, places. Tags: hike, mountains, pilot rock, wildlife. Comments: 1