This is one of several statewide caches designed to connect you with forests and with history, and to commemorate the centennial year of the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Oregon’s biggest fire department. To appreciate the wider story of Oregon’s forest history and the evolving work of ODF, be sure to check out the entire series.
Often confused with the U.S. Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry is Oregon’s state agency (“the other guys”) responsible for management of about 1 million acres of state-owned forest; protection from forest fires on about 16 million acres of public and private forest; and implementation of standards and rules to protect natural resources during forest operations on private lands.
We started out as a fire department in 1911 with two paid employees. Since then, our mission has grown to include planting and management of the Tillamook, Santiam, Clatsop, Elliott, Sun Pass and Gilchrist State Forest, and other scattered forest lands. Today, we operate offices in 17 Oregon communities statewide, and have about 800 full-time employees. Much has changed in 100 years: land ownership, harvest practices, the economy, transportation systems. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving people and protecting Oregon’s forests.
As you seek out this cache, we hope you’ll appreciate the history behind the place you’re going as you take a moment to see the forest and the trees.
Safe and happy cachin!
Soda Mountain Lookout
Great view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin and Mt. Ashland from one point.
From Oregon Hwy 66, take the Soda Mountain Road. Enjoy a fabulous view up the Rogue valley, Greensprings, Copco and Irongate lakes and Mt. Shasta, Mt. McLoughlin and Mt. Ashland all from one point. Note as of 2012, there is a locked gate. It is a 1.4 mile hike to the summit from the gate along the road. Please do not disturb the fire lookouts before 10 am or after 7 pm, otherwise they'll be glad to show you around!