Rabbit Ears &
Hershberger Mountain Lookout
Along the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway you can see two huge volcanic outcrops which look like rabbit ears when viewed from the highway. Rising over 5,800 feet from the valley floor, the two behemoth crags jutting from the earth at a slight angle to each other give the outcrop its apt name. Climbers can enjoy an alpine rock climbing experience and spectacular views of the cascades
They are accessible by 5+ miles of forest service roads, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle as parts of the gravel road are often like washboards and sometimes part is washed out. No motorhomes or low clearance vehicles should even try it!
A bit further down the road is Hershberger Mountain Lookout, another great spot for a panoramic view of the area. It was built in 1925 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 29, 2000. The Hershberger Mountain fire lookout is a D-6 cupola-type structure that was built in 1925, served as an aircraft warning station during WW2, was refurbished in the 1980s and 2012, and still sees occasional use by the Forest Service. From it, you have expansive views of the Upper Rogue River, the Crater Lake rim, Mount Thielsen, Mount Bailey, Mount McLoughlin, and, on a good day, distant Mount Shasta. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.