BLM Cascade-Siskiyou

Pilot Rock - Soda Mountain 6089’ Elev. the Rock serves as a friendly . Did you know? According to local newspaper reports, nine aircraft have crashed into since 1942, usually due to poor visibility and low clouds. result, some geologists refer to Pilot Rock as technically result, some geologists refer to Pilot Rock as as defined in the Monument’s a “volcanic plug,” but NOT “plug” proclamation. (The proclamation evidently uses and However “plugs’ and “neck” interchangeably.) common “necks” are defined, what they both have in the remain After the softer rock is eroded, is erosion. relief to ing harder volcanic structure stands up in bold the surrounding landscape as the blockish, irregular, columnar structure you see today. Cousins in Tower Ship Rock in New Mexico and Devil’s plugs, are considered to be volcanic necks or Wyoming which were exposed after the surrounding sedimentary rocks eroded and fell away. Human History “Stone Tan-ts’at-seniptha, called it people Takelma The Navy Standing Up.” In 1841, an enterprising U.S. River to lieutenant scouting a route from the Columbia San Francisco Bay named it for himself: Emmons’ know it as Pilot Rock, a welcome landmark Peak. We in the 1850s Trail Applegate for weary migrants on the and for travelers on I-5 today. care of your Monument Taking Please follow these simple steps and help us preserve and protect this special place. Leave what you find, practice leave no trace principles and honor private property boundaries. Harassing wildlife and cross country travel by bicycle or vehicle are prohibited. Recent Research that 25 Recent research regarding Pilot Rock suggests spot million years ago, magma oozed through a weak As a crust, but did not reach the surface. in the earth’s - Pilot Rock 5,910’ Elev. Interstate 5 4310 Siskiyou Summit Elev. on I-5 Highest elev. rocks eroded away, leaving behind the now-cooled rocks eroded away, a “plug” is an intrusive body formed magma. Put simply, by magma which cooled underground and was later exposed by erosion. necks and plugs consider a volcanic “neck” indicative of an actual – a column of igneous rock formed by congelation of in the conduit or vent of a volcano and later exposed by the erosion of surrounding rocks. In contrast, these geologists consider a volcanic “plug” to be a structure formed by a body of magma that never the softer exterior surface. Over time, reached the earth’s use the different definitions of lava and magma to make definitions of lava and magma to make use the different a volcanic the distinction between a volcanic “neck” and rock beneath “plug.” Magma is molten or partially molten surface. Magma collects inside a volcano’s the earth’s breaches magma chapter before it erupts. When magma surface, the magma becomes lava and a the earth’s volcano is formed. Geologists who make the distinction between volcanic Rock is composed mostly of volcanic andesite and has Rock is composed mostly of volcanic andesite jointing created vertical faces with classic columnar sheer, by the cooling of its andesite composition. Plug or a Neck or both? in Many geologists use the terms “neck” and “plug” to while others believe the terms apply terchangeably, types of volcanic structures. Some geologists different Welcome Pilot Rock is part of the Cascade Range, a mountain stretching range notable for its string of volcanic peaks Lassen from British Columbia to northern ’s proclamation refers to Pilot Rock The monument’s Peak. of a as “a volcanic plug,” describing it as “a remnant an leaving feeder vent left after a volcano eroded away, Pilot outstanding example of the inside of a volcano.” Rising 570’ to an elevation of 5,910’, Pilot Rock is perhaps the most striking feature of Cascade-Siskyou National Monument. Rock is perhaps the most striking feature of Cascade-Siskyou to an elevation of 5,910’, Pilot Rising 570’ Rogue Valley, California and parts of ’s in northern Valley from much of the Shasta Visible passengers that travel the I-5 corridor annually beacon to some five million vehicles and their BLM archives Monument Boundary BLM Cascade-Siskiyou Monument Boundary Trail Unpaved, narrow road High Clearance, 4-wheel-drive recommended and electrolyte drinks and eat food before, during, and after your hike. If not treated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening Hyponatremia (water intoxication) is emergency. prevent: drink To also a life-threatening emergency. and eat salty electrolyte drinks as well as water, snacks during your hike. Bureau of Tribune, Sources for this bulletin courtesy of the Medford Mail Land Management (BLM), Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Park Service (NPS). Update: 04.08.2013 Wait for the Shade Wait in the Temperatures hiking in direct sun. Avoid the sun may be 15 to 20 degrees higher than in a hat and sunblock to protect shade. Wear yourself from sun exposure. Yourself Be Kind to Do not exceed your normal level of physical breaks in the shade and Take activity or training. If you avoid long hikes during the heat of the day. have asthma, diabetes, heart, knee, back or other medical problems, limit your exertion and exposure Altitude, strenuous climbing, dehydration to heat. and extreme temperatures can make medical problems worse. Heat Kills! Hike Smart! cool and stereotypical Don’t be fooled by Oregon’s Summer time in the Rogue Valley cloudy weather. sees little rain, with temperatures frequently reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat exhaustion is the result of dehydration due to intense sweating. Drink water Trail Information Trail behind a boulder located an old road begins on The trail Trail (PCT) Crest the Pacific trail intersects The barrier. 300 yards for about .8 miles. Follow the PCT after about on the right, a well worn foot path until you reach At the base to the base of Pilot Rock. heading up to the summit. that can be scrambled there is a gully Scrambling, steep with loose rock. this climb is Warning, are required. care and dexterity Unpaved (rough road) The Pilot Rock road is not recommended for vehicles with low ground clearance. The Pilot Rock road is not recommended for vehicles with low is at you own risk. Travel N A T I O N A L C O N S E R V A T I O N L A N D S A I O N L T A C O N S E R V L A I O N T A N 541-618-2200 . http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/csnm/ B u r e a u o f L a n d M a n a g e m e n t , M e d f o r d D i s t r i c t O f fi c e , 3 0 4 0 B i d d l e R o a d M e d f o r d , O r e g o n 9 7 5 0 4 Caution, rough Caution, rough 99 road, please drive slowly; some vehicles with road, please drive slowly; may not be suitable. lower ground clearance (Mt Ashland exit and Old Highway 99 junction.) 99 junction.) Old Highway exit and Ashland (Mt 99 for 2 miles. follow Old Highway Heading south, The trail Road 40-2E-33. left onto Pilot Rock Turn Old Highway 99. two miles east of head is located at two will cross the PCT; At mile one you Stay left. The old your right. see an old quarry to miles you will as trail head parking. quarry serves Trail Head Directions Trail to Exit 6 I-5 south take Medford-Ashland, From you are already dehydrated. Remember that it is important to eat as well as drink. Eat high-energy foods and salty snacks on the trail. Food is your most important defense against exhaustion and water intoxication (hyponatremia). and/or wet weather, avoid hypothermia by wearing and/or wet weather, layered clothing and being prepared for bad weather. Drinking and Eating Drink a minimum of 1 or more gallons ( 4 to 8 liters) of water or sports drinks with electrolytes per person, per Do not wait until you are thirsty to start replacing day. fluids and electrolytes. By the time you feel thirsty, Don’t overestimate your capabilities. Wear good Don’t overestimate your capabilities. Wear Always carry water and food and be hiking shoes. tell a friend, sure to drink and eat. Hike with a buddy, Always bring or leave a note with your hiking plans. a lightweight flashlight to give yourself the option of hiking out after dark in the event that illness, injury, or enjoyment should slow you down. Check the local weather and trail conditions before your hike. In cold Be Prepared!