Mt. McLoughlin Trail

Mt. McLoughlin is located within the Sky Lakes Wilderness. The 5-mile long trail to the summit of Mt. McLoughlin begins as a moderate hike through stands of conifers, and as hikers increase their eleveation, the trail winds through rocky terrain. Those who summit this Cascade Range peak are treated to 360-degree views that are unrivaled!

We encourage everyone who wishes to climb this amazing mountain to familiarize themselves with the information included in this map:

• Mt. McLoughlin Climbing Route (PDF)

Ascending Mt. McLoughin: The hike from Mt. Mcloughlin Trailhead to the top of the peak involves an elevation gain of about 4,000 feet. You can also access this trail via the Pacific Crest Trail from Summit Sno Park/ Trailhead on Highway 140, which adds a couple miles to the trail each way. There is no water along the summit trail; carry enough liquids for your needs! After the trail leaves the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail behind (approximately 1.5 miles from the Mt. McLoughlin Trailhead parking lot), the trail ascends through a boulder-strewn forest. Watch for blazed trees that function as trail markers! Above the timberline, piled-up rock cairns mark the route to the ridgetop summit route. Due to steep slopes, poor footing and coarse bare rock, horses are not recommended for the Mt. McLoughlin Trail above its junction with the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail.

Descending Mt. McLoughlin: The trail can be difficult to follow during the descent, particularly if it is getting late and the light is fading. Stay alert for trail blazes and familiar landmarks. Look back up the trail occasionally; this may help you stay on it as you go down. If you lose the trail and cannot find it again, the best direction to travel would be to the east or southeast (which will take you either to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail or Highway 140).

CAUTION! Each year, a number of people become disoriented or lost on the way back down, usually due to coming down a different route than they used when climbing the mountain. As tempting as it may seem to descend the sandy, cinder slope on the south side of the mountain, the lower you go on this slope, the farther away you are from the trail. Once down to the timberline, it is a 2-mile, boulder-hopping hike northeast back to the trail.

To avoid getting lost and disoriented, hikers should return back down the ridge, keeping the poles in sight until the trail leaves the ridge.

Know Before You Go: Although summertime weather is usually mild at the mountain's base, the summit is subject to cold winds, driving rains, lightning, and snow storms. Be prepared for weather changes, and know the symptoms and treatment of hypothermia. Bring along warm, rain-repellent clothing.

At a Glance