08-06-2025 A Day Exploring the Medicine Lake Highlands

 

Mount Shasta view from the road leading to the Little Hoffman Lookout

After our morning kayak, the three of us ate an early lunch before our next outing for the day.  Deb was tickled to have the opportunity to try out her Subaru Crosstrek Expedition on a real dirt backcountry route.  The road leading to the lookout is about 4 miles of dirt, rock, and gullies through forest that has been cleared and only partially cleared up after what appeared to be a prescribed burn. She drove it like a champ and was tickled with her little car that is mostly used on the freeway between her home here in Grants Pass and Central Point near Medford, where she works.

After 4 miles or so, we arrived at the locked gate at the entrance to the somewhat steep gravel road that leads to the lookout at the mountain summit. 

Mo and I hiking up to the Lookout in July of 2014 (notice the jackets)

Mo and I hiking up to the lookout in August of 2025

We have done this hike several times over the years, always looking forward to the magnificent views that open up at the top of the mountain.  Each year, I get the opportunity to check my progress as I compare how much harder it might be for me as my "thing" progresses.  I am happy to report that with sticks and a slow pace, I did as well as last year.  A great sign that with this slow progression, I probably won't live long enough to end up in a wheelchair.

Almost there!

Deb and Mo taking photos of flowers and views along the road to the lookout

The Little Mt. Hoffman lookout was constructed in the 1920's and was used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1978. It is one of the few remaining historic lookouts on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lookout is still occasionally used by the Forest Service in times of extreme fire danger.

Staying at the lookout would be a unique and memorable experience. From a height of 7,309 feet, Little Mount Hoffman offers a spectacular view of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, Mt. McLoughlin, and a variety of other interesting landforms. From the Tulelake Basin in the north to the Fall River Valley in the south, the 360-degree view offers a glimpse of some of Northern California and Southern Oregon's most unique and beautiful scenery. 

The lookout has been restored to its original character

For just $75. per night, you can rent the lookout by reserving at Recreation.gov.  There are bathrooms, but there is no drinking water, and you must pack up what you will need for your stay.  Also, there is a fire pit if you bring your own wood, and there are no restrictions at the time of your reservation.  It says nothing about this on the website, but I did read somewhere that they open the gate for renters to drive up the road rather than having to pack wood and water and food to the site.

All three of us thought that might be a wonderful thing to do someday. We can even bring our dog if she remains leashed.

The views in all directions are simply spectacular.  I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to spend the night up there watching the skies and the stars.

Here is a website for information about renting the lookout: Little Hoffman Lookout

Just for fun, Deb pulled up the Peak Finder app to see the names of all the mountains we could see from the lookout.  It was great to have a signal up there as well, and we caught up on emails and text messages before going back down to the lake, where there is no signal. Access to the internet would be a nice benefit while staying in the lookout, with apps about weather and the night skies and flight radar adding to the natural beauty of the place.

We returned to camp in time to relax a bit before supper and another gorgeous campfire. This time it was spaghetti made at home, a really good salad, garlic bread, and best of all, one of our favorite wines. Klinker Brick Winery in Lodi has the very best old vine zins around, and Old Ghost is truly delicious.

Mo built another perfect campfire, and we snuggled with the dog and blankies, and jackets as we watched the sunset and the almost full moon rising once again over the lake.

Tomorrow, another day of exploring as we visit Glass Mountain and the Glass Flow at Medicine Lake