Jackson County High Point Trip Report

Mount McLoughlin (9,495 ft)

Date: July 3, 2002
Author: Ron Tagliapietra

Leave state route 140 at the saddle west of Klamath Falls northbound onto a gravel road. Follow the road to the signed trailhead (and pay for the Forest Pass, $5 in 2002).

In about a mile, the trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and follows it about a half mile. About the middle of the PCT portion of the trail is a faint use trail to Freye Lake, only about 0.2 mile from the trail. This small lake offers a good place to sleep and arise to reflections of Mt. McLoughlin in the water. About 2 miles farther (about 8,200 feet), the trail reaches a saddle with nice views of the summit. The trail gets harder to follow but remains only class 2 on scree. However, though there were a couple small patches of snow, we never had to cross any large or steep snow fields. The summit offered views of Shasta to the south and Thielsen to the north. All five in our party reached the summit including an 11 year old, and we all signed the register.

Trip statistics: About 10 miles round trip with 3,800 feet of elevation gain.