Josephine County High Point Trip Report

Grayback Mtn (7,048 ft)

Date: August 1999
Author: Ken Jones

A nice hike in the southern Oregon coast range.

From Grants Pass, head south on state route 238. In the town of Applegate, just before the highway crosses to the north side of the Applegate River turn right (south) onto Thompson Creek Road. Follow this into the Rogue River NF, where it becomes forest route 10. Just under 2 miles past the forest boundary, turn right on road 1005. Follow this up O'Brien Creek, staying on the north side, to the end of the road at around 4600'.

Hike the trail toward Grayback Shelter, taking the right fork (uphill, away from the shelter) after crossing O'Brien Creek. At 6200' you'll reach a "T" intersection. At this point, Grayback Mountain is due west of you. We went south on the trail 100 yards, then headed southwest through an open area (with cows and springs) to pick up the southeast ridge, which we followed to the summit. On the way down, we headed north for several hundred yards, then picked our way down the slope to the east until we found the trail which we followed south to the "T". Either route works. Total round trip about 2500' and 6 miles.