Fairview Peak & Bohemia Mountain
In this historic mining district, the twin peaks of Bohemia Mountain and Fairview Peak offer some of the best botanizing in the central Cascades. At nearly 6000′, Bohemia and its slightly shorter neighbor are the tallest points in the surrounding area. They are close together enough to be easily explored by parking in the saddle in between. It is sometimes possible to drive right to the lookout at the summit of Fairview, but this allows for only a cursory view of the many beautiful flowers growing in the sloping meadows alongside the road, and the gate is usually locked, so it is more satisfying to walk up the road. Abundant cushions of white, phlox-like Nuttall’s linanthus (Leptosiphon nuttallii), line the road. Big displays of western blue flax (Linum lewisii), sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum), and mountain owl’s clover (Orthocarpus imbricatus) brighten the meadows. Hummingbirds dash frenetically above masses of skyrocket (Ipomopsis aggregata). A short, rocky trail leads up the side of Bohemia Mountain, where numerous penstemons, stonecrop, and Cascade fleabane (Erigeron cascadensis) bloom. From either peak, the view is impressive. It is also worth going the short distance to the end of the road south past the Bohemia trailhead and poking around the rocks, where the rare Utah honeysuckle (Lonicera utahensis) and many more interesting plants can be found.
Details
Distance: 2.5 miles round trip to lookout on Fairview Peak (5350–5933′);
Trail #1440: 1.6 miles round trip to Bohemia Mountain (5350–5987′)
Location: southeastern Lane County; Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Ranger District
USGS Map: Fairview Peak, T23S.R1E.S14
Habitats: forest, roadside, meadow, outcrop, cliff
Bloom: late June to August
Directions
From Cottage Grove, head east on Road 2400 following signs for Dorena Lake. Continue on this road for 19 miles to Brice Creek Road 2470. 3.9 miles past the Brice Creek trailhead turn right onto Noonday Road 2212 at a sign for Bohemia Saddle. After 6.4 miles, turn right onto Rd 708 at a sign for Fairview at “Noonday Saddle.” In another 1.9 miles, turn left onto Sharps Creek Road 2460 at Champion Saddle. Follow this rather rough road for 1.1 miles to the parking area between Bohemia and Fairview.
Plant Lists
based on 10 trips
plant list by genus • plant list by family
Blog Entries
https://westerncascades.com/tag/fairview-peak