Pioneer cabins, watering holes and the lost town of Skookum in the Soda Mountain Wilderness Area
This moderate 4×4 run is great fun and history. The power-line road behind the communications site on the ridge at the end of Soda Mountain Rd is accessed view HWY 66 / Greensprings Highway out of Ashland. Make a right turn by the long row of mailboxes just before the turn off to Hyatt Lake. Follow the road to the end.
This is worth a look if you are a history buff. The two older cabins are open and the larger one, and the easiest drive was built by the Jeffersons. The Jeffersons were a couple that maintained the power lines in the early 1900’s. Jefferson Power-Line Cabin is a great piece of local history.
Skookum is an old village near the Oregon-California Boarder. Mostly broken down cabins and junk of yesteryear there. You might be able to find some square nails or other fodder with a metal detector. The Murphy Cabin in the hills above is completely intact and says you may stay there on a sign. Bring a broom. The more recent hunting cabin is either locked or inhabited (best left alone and that part is a difficult 4×4 run if rocky is your thing).
The lookout is rocky but clear this time of year and is marked with a sign to the right before you ever get to the power line road. Awe inspiring views can be had there and the rangers are always friendly when it is inhabited.
Click the custom map to get directions from Google. Click on the map pins to find out the specific place you want to go. Including bigger water locations in the area for the hunters in the crowd. Cool 4×4 run, and a bit rocky, with great views and California-Oregon boarder can be had hear. See clear to Mt. Shasta on a clear day!
Ryan Mallory
OWNER • ADMINISTRATOR • EDITOR
Ryan Mallory enjoys the mountain man life and loves the Great Oregon Outdoors and Pacific NW. Join him for a look at hikes, fishing trips, hunting, photography and other outdoor sports. He owns and operates a consulting Company called Oregon Marketing Pros LLC, Scanner Group LLC (50,000+ on Facebook Groups in the area), the Southern Oregon Gun & Ammo Exchange, the brother to this project at Southern Oregon Outdoors on Facebook, and this site (Great Oregon Outdoors). Connect with Ryan here. “Actio Enim Amore Patriae”