Eight Dollar Mountain Botanical Area

Eight Dollar Mountain is one of the most significant botanical sites in Oregon, representing a major area of species endemism in the state. Since the 1880s, botanists have noted the area as being an important focal point for uncommon plants. Many of the serpentine endemics found in southwest Oregon and northwest California are abundant at Eight Dollar Mountain. Many large Darlingtonia californica fens thrive here, lining the base of the conical shaped mountain. A colorful array of unusual plants that thrive on dry serpentine sites can also be found here, with blooming starting in late March and going well into the dry, hot summer months.

Viewing Information: The 2,867 acre botanical area ranges in elevation from 1,200-1,400 feet and mostly lacks trails and easy access points for serpentine viewing. However, the Illinois River road (Forest Road 4103) provides excellent views of Eight Dollar Mountain, with numerous pull-outs, trailheads, and interpretive sites encompassing serpentine habitat similar to that found on Eight Dollar Mountain. Additionally, the Illinois River Road provides access to series of river related day-use and overnight camping sites. The Eight Dollar Mountain Road (Forest Road 4103) provides excellent access to one Darlingtonia fen with a wheel-chair accessible board-walk trail. Although the fen is on National Forest land, the interpretive site and boardwalk was developed by the Medford District BLM.

Safety First: During summer months, the Illinois River road gets a lot of traffic, and is extremely narrow and steep in places. The road is suitable for passenger vehicles, but please drive slowly and stay to the right, always being prepared to pull over as necessary.