Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument — Attraction in Ashland

Just my opinion here...driving in there are several private residences that want to remain private. Please respect their signs, slow down and be careful and cool. Why a 2 star? Laws, rules, regulations; 'do this, don't do that, can't you read the signs'? Signs, signs everywhere a sign, breaking up the scenery breakin' my mind! And the signs said you got to have a membership card to get inside. Anyway, maybe ya heard the song, maybe not, but this is mostly oak forest with the poison kind (no relation), weeds, etc. Don't look for a monument, you won't find one. The PCT wanders through for some nice hiking-don't bring your Mt. Bike though!!! Why again? Many more BEAUTIFUL places in this 'area' so why go here. Also, I'm not one for the Gov-Mint taking the forest into their own monument (hands) and making rules for US, WE THE PEOPLE, that is. We have hearts and wisdom within us and when in the forest, it is an opportunity to visit our HONEST and TRUE hearts WITHIN US ALL. Then WE will clean up our own messes, NOT SHOOT SIGNS, use our guns PROPERLY, pick up those casings and targets-ALWAYS!!! Do NOT start a fire!!! RESPECT this WONDER of NATURE. Use that SAPIEN within (and look that up) and remember that this land was made for you and me and all living creatures including the trees! We don't need a government to tell us that. This is innate. Go with your heart. Sorry...ah, the...

My wife and I visited the Hyatt Reservoir area today amidst the smoky environment from wildfires. Though we were amazed at the diverse conifers, the amount of invasives, seemingly unchecked, through the roadway corridors, were upsetting. It would seem the 2008 management plan has some unfunded aspects in terms of coping with increased degradation of native habitat values. I had stopped to ask the park ranger about what I observed but he did not have any direct knowledge of the native flora though he was very caring about our visitation and indicated where we might spot some osprey habitat. But the roadway in to this lake is covered in tansy ragwort and I hope that "officialdom" or just some caring individuals that live in this area can address a growing problem. The weeds were easily pulled with rootstocks emerging also. I am wondering what is being done to address this or even if it is acknowledged as a problem by the managers responsible for maintaining the environmental values that promoted this...

This is one of the best kept secrets of the "State of Jefferson" region, that being Nor- Cal/ So Oregon. If you like open prairies tucked into canyons and mountainous terrain, this is perfect!

First bit of advice, fuel up before heading off the I-5 corridor!! It can be a bit of a drive between stations, plus fuel in that area can be among the highest cost in the nation so plan ahead. There are a lot of places to explore but I really enjoy this as an alternate way to the coast by following the Klamath River route near the Oregon border.

Every place has a negative and this one is the reality that forest fires are an annual issue. I would strongly suggest exploring in the spring or fall to avoid that and make sure you have all types of clothing because you can have frost in the morning but highs in the 85-95...