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Mt McLoughlin trail, Klamath Falls Or


Highlights:

steep mountain hike, amazing views
Near:Klamath Falls, OR
Scenery:
Distance:8.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:4000 ft
Hike Time:5.5 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: This hike starts off at a rushing mountain stream, and meanders for about a mile and a half through some idyllic forestland. Soon the trail begins to climg uphill, first gently but soon it steeply begins to climb the forested slope. Once above the treeline the trail offers no mercy, either from the sun or the unrelenting uphill pace. Eventually the trail dissolves to a steep scramble as you climb toward what you hope is the peak. Your hopes are soon shattered, however as the first "peak" you see is just the beginning of the ridgeline that leads to the true peak. Heave yourself upward and finally onto the mountaintop at a breathtaking 9394ft above sea level. Lay on a slab of cool stone as you survey the miles of surrounding countryside. After some time, head downhill avoiding the tempting jaunt down the loose scree slope. It looks like a shortcut, but the hike over to the trail is deceptively far from the slope itself. Hike back to soak your feet in the stream.
Trailhead: From Klamath Falls, take 140w 27 miles. Just north of the lake of the Lake of the Woods turnoff take a right at the summit trailhead. From here you can hike a 2 mile section of the pacific crest trail to the McGloughlin trail, or drive past the pacific crest trailhead for three miles to the Summit Trail. (Lat:42.42068 Lon:-122.25467)
Trail Guides for Mt McLoughlin trail, Klamath Falls Or:
Exploring Oregons Wild Areas
by William L. Sullivan  (Mountaineers press)

Pacific Northwest Hiking
by Ron Judd and Dan Nelson (foghorn outdoors)

100 hikes in Southern Oregon
by William J. Sullivan (Navillus)

Best Seasons: Fall, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Rogue River NF, Butte Falls ranger district. (541) 865-2700
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joshua Wilson, who has posted  18 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by Samantha on 8/10/2008
this was my first time hiking Mt. McLoughlin and let me tell you it was amazing. the views were absolutely breath taking. the clime got dificult near the top and it can be hard to follow the trail. one quick warning though when you are going back down the Mountain stay near the ridge!!!!! Do not go to the left because the dirt and small rockes will move very easely and it can get dangerious and slippery.

Reviewed by KF on 1/13/2008
Great Hike. Starts out easy and becomes more and more strenuous to the top. Nothing technically difficult but very exposed above treeline and a few precarious areas. Gets pretty crowded up there. Recommend leaving very early to beat crowds and relentless sun. Descent is tough on the knees! Incredible views from the top and down slopes...Beautiful. Well worth the effort.

Reviewed by JL on 11/2/2005
I've hiked this trail once a year for the past 4 years. Last two years I've taken a friend's currently 13y/o boy and his friend up there. Always a nice group of ppl you meet along the way. I'm always surprised at how many are on top during the weekend. An all day hike. Challenging especially above the treeline. But the reward is spectacular. Bring water/sack lunch/hydrating snacks. Best in the late Summer. Kids are eager to do it again next year, even though their legs are rubber by the time they return to the bottom.

Reviewed by clyde on 4/17/2003
Ive climbed this 4 or 5 times. It is a rough one to get to the top and you feel it on the way down. But if I didnt like it, why would I do it. You thank the Lord when you make it to the top (or not) for all the trees, fresh air, varieties of flowers, plants, wildlife, rocks. Make sure your in shape (and take some water)for this all day event. :)


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Klamath County Hiking, Klamath County Trails, Klamath County Hikes

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