I have been eyeing Little Aspen since we spent a day last year trekking Aspen Butte right next to it. From the road I wasn't sure if it would be possible because mostly it was just lava outcropping that I didn't really want to hike in. After doing some research with satelitte images we decided to give it a try and we were not disappointed. It was a nice hike, a little over a mile to the summit, with no significant barriers. Some rock, some brush, some areas of downed timber, but nothing significant. No trail of course so just zigzagged through choosing clear path that was still going up.

UPDATE: I've done this a few times by taking the blocked road down to the switchback up the ridge for an easier more gradual climb. Yesterday 4/8/2024 the road has so much windfall it was not easy. I still went up that way but came straight down to the parking area. The switchback road is about .8 mi up, the short cut down is about .2 miles, but steep and a bit crumbly.

This and W7O/SC-288 were detours after I got off work. I work overnight in the Applegate area and get done at 9am so had the day ahead of me and decided to check the area out. This summit was short hike but not easy. It was straight up in crumbly earth with slippery madrone leaves on top. I forgot my trekking poles and had to find a couple limbs to help me out. Once to the top, it was a peaceful little treed area, part of it a very old road. Easy set up.

This and W7O/SC-288 were detours after I got off work. I work overnight in the Applegate area and get done at 9am so had the day ahead of me and decided to check the area out. This summit was short hike but not easy. It was straight up in crumbly earth with slippery madrone leaves on top. I forgot my trekking poles and had to find a couple limbs to help me out. Once to the top, it was a peaceful little treed area, part of it a very old road. Easy set up.

We went up to Parker after activating Soda Mountain. This was a drive up summit, not sure if it always is, but the ODF lookout was being manned by a really nice guy Terry who welcomed us to the top to enjoy the view. Nice view of the surrounding summits in the Ashland/Klamath area. One of my favorite parts of going up to a new summit is viewing and identifying the different mountains I had activated or wish to. This lookout was a neat view of some of the near and far summits we have been to. Plenty of room to park and trees and rock to use to set up.

Follow any road map to Soda Mt. Rd or Hobart Bluff TH off of Hwy 66. You will follow the gravel road down past Hobart Bluff Trailhead, there is a parking area and restroom here. Go on past the trailhead aways until you reach the gated driveway for Soda Mountain on the right. It is a 1.5 mile walk up to the summit using the road. Minimal parking area as you will be in wilderness and there is very few pullouts to park in.

Henline is a relatively low traffic hiking trail in the Opal Creek Wilderness. It boasts rhododendrons, a mostly-well-maintained trail, and reasonably consistent gains. The hike is entirely on public right of way, and can be accessed via North Fork Santiam Road and NFDR 2207 from Hwy 22 out of Salem. Turn left on North Fork Santiam Road about 22 miles from I-5, then drive straight. Eventually this road turns to a moderate gravel road, followed by a fork between 2207 and 2209. Take the left fork and head uphill a ways. You'll pass the more popular Henline Falls Trailhead.

See https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Steamboat_Mountain_Hike.

Flattop Mountain is a drive-up for those with capable high clearance vehicles. And maybe for those ready to buy new tires - which was required of us - as the road was steep with sharp rocks.

Here's a nice summit with a trail to the top, about 5 miles RT and more elevation gain that you might have wanted at 1800 feet - but know that it's worth it. A bit obscure perhaps outside of huckleberry season, you might not see many folks at other times. The views of Mt. Adams are fabulous.