Jefferson State Scenic Byway, Oregon

The Jefferson State Byway goes through the heart of the mythical State of Jefferson, a turn of the century idea of combining northern California and southern Oregon to make a separate state that supporters called Jefferson. Interpretive panels at Page Mountain, about 12 miles from Highway 199, tell the story.

The byway begins at Highway 199 near O'Brien, Oregon and ends near Yreka, California on the Interstate 5 corridor. The road is named Waldo Road at the Highway 199 turnoff and later becomes the Happy Camp Road. Same road - two names. This side trip follows the byway to the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains and then turns off the byway to follow a gravel road to Bolan Lake Lookout Trail, and Tannen Lake trail in the Red Buttes wilderness. The Elder Mountain Demo Forest offers another short hiking opportunity about half way up the grade to the California border. The Osgood Ditch Trail is an easy hike related to the early mining history of the region.

Black Butte Road Guide is a gravel surfaced road to the boundary of Siskiyou Wilderness and Black Butte Trail that connects to other trails in the wilderness area.

Tree House Resort, Highway 199, Takilma, Oregon The tree house resort (the Out and About Tree House Resort) offers another interesting side trip. Tours of the tree houses are available and there are other activities such as a canopy trail, zip lines, horse back riding, and a tree house spa. The public is welcome to visit and enjoy the activities.

Waldo was one of the first towns in southern Oregon that began its existence in 1852 during the Oregon gold rush. There isn't anything left of the town site except a historic marker on the left, across the road from where the town used to be. The Esterly Lakes were formed when water filled mining excavations in that area.

The Jefferson State Byway is closed by snow in the winter and drivers who take the tour in the early spring should check ahead to see if the road is open to the points they are interested in visiting. Many drivers have got themselves stuck in snow drifts on this road and had a long walk back to the nearest phone. Be prepared when traveling in the back country. Carry extra water, food, blankets and good hiking shoes.

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Disclaimer: All information in Highway199.org is accurate to the best knowledge of the author. However, conditions in outdoor settings can change dramatically after storms or fires. For this reason, travelers are advised to check current road conditions before traveling through the area, drive responsibly and take measures to understand safety issues in the region. When participating in outdoor activities, always plan and prepare for safe hiking, swimming or any other activities mentioned in the Highway 199 website. More on disclaimer and copyright...