At the crest of the Southern Cascades between Highway 140 and Dead Indian Road winds a section of Forest Road 37 called Big Elk Road. This is a short stretch of paved road that is easy to drive and is extremely scenic.
Whenever I am in this part of the State of Jefferson, and time permits, I like to take this drive. A word of caution, this road is not maintained in the winter and then is only accessible to snow mobiles. Snowplows will usually block the entrance to the road during the winter.
When the snows are gone and the weather is nice, this road will provide you much scenery. Bring the camera. Entering from highway 140 just west of Fish lake you will encounter the flanks of Brown Mountain. Brown Mountain certainly is an appropriate name. This is the remains of a volcanic outpouring and is a stark barren landscape. I have heard it referred to as a cinder cone. Ha! These cinders are huge!
Soon you will come upon Butte Creek which flows from Fish Lake. Here there are tall trees and places to park. You should take this opportunity to stretch your legs and look around. A short distance further down the road is the Elk Ranger station, a historical landmark.
Continuing down the road you will encounter Brown Mountain Road (NFD 3705) branching off to your left. This is a single lane paved road that wanders across the crest of the mountain meadows. Follow it and it will wind for a few miles in some of the most peaceful landscape around. You will pass camp sites and hiking trails along the way. Take your time and enjoy the mountain air. If you follow this paved road, it will change names a few times, but eventually you will come out onto Dead Indian Highway.
If you are a hiker, you may be interested in hiking the Brown Mountain Trail. This trail, about six miles in length, intersects with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail that runs from Mexico to Canada.
For more about the State Of Jefferson see The Mythical State
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