Popular with hikers and climbers, Pilot Rock stands out as one of the most striking features of the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument. The remnant of an ancient volcano, Pilot Rock is visible from much of the Shasta Valley in northern California and parts the Rogue Valley in southern Oregon. Over time, the exterior volcano eroded away, leaving behind the impressive columnar basalt of the ancient volcano's central vent. Fossil sites in the vicinity of Pilot Rock contain leaf impressions and conifer cones that became embedded in volcanic ash beds 25 to 35 million years ago.

The south face of Pilot Rock provides some of the best technical climbing opportunities in southwestern Oregon. Seven technical routes exist on Pilot Rock. To date, four of the routes have conservatively placed fixed anchors. To protect peregrine falcons and their nesting productivity at Pilot Rock, the south and east sides of Pilot Rock are subject to seasonal closures from February 1 to July 30 each year. These seasonal climbing restrictions may be lifted if the BLM determines that peregrine falcons are not nesting or confirms that their young have fledged and moved far enough away from the rock face to avoid disturbance by climbers.  

Please note, new fixed anchors cannot be placed without prior BLM authorization.