Mini Trip Report/ Mt. McLoughlin, Oregon

“All travel should be thought of as reconnaissance for one’s next return trip there.”
—Anonymous

After a fun filled weekend of Shakespeare, fine dining, and pickleball (not always in that order) in Ashland, Oregon, Ann and I hiked a good ways up Mt. McLoughlin. Some quick notes follow.

Getting There
From Ashland, it’s a scenic and easy one hour drive to the “trailhead,” the last few miles on gravel roads—although Google maps sends you on the wrong road (take Fourmile Lake Road FR-3661, not FR-3650). “Trailhead” is in quotes because the Forest Service seems interested in decommissioning this convenient starting point, so they have wrapped the parking fee box in plastic garbage bags, and removed the footbridge over the large creek. So, your first move looks like this:

Those faint of heart or less practiced on the balance beam wade barefoot (names withheld upon request).

Hiking and Climbing
The sign you encounter explains the full climb fairly well, see photos below, but leaves out the part that the route is not clear of snow until well into summer, or in any event considerably later than June 11, 2023 after a good winter. But regardless, the trail is beautiful, and quickly joins up with the Pacific Crest Trail for a mile or two before turning left towards the mountain. We got a 1:00pm start, and did not have proper climbing gear, so the summit was never really an option.

Notes to Self For Next Real Summit Attempt

• This part of Oregon is notoriously buggy, so don’t forget the DEET and a head net if you want to survive a full day’s exposure that doesn’t turn in to a blood drive for the benefit of the local mosquito population.
• It’s not a technical climb, and with enough experience you could probably get by with good boots and micro-spikes, but depending on the snow pack you could be missing your crampons and ice axe. Better safe than sorry, and remember this is the sixth highest mountain in Oregon.
• Also, the loop drive back to Ashland via “Dead Indian Memorial Road” (not making this up), is stunningly beautiful, one of the more scenic short drives in the state—and I grew up in Oregon.
• Note that this return route back to Ashland conveniently has you pass by Caldera Brewery and Restaurant. Coincidence? I don’t think so…

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