Wagner Butte Trail #1011

This is a nice hike close to the Rogue Valley that offers panoramic views of the Rogue and Little Applegate Valleys and surrounding mountain peaks. Displays of wildflowers may be seen in early summer. Due to the difficulty in crossing a landslide area, stock are not recommended on this trail at this time. Water along the trail is not tested and maybe unsafe to drink.

Beginning on Forest Road 22 the trail crosses a small timber sale unit before following an abandoned roadbed for 1.2 miles to the edge of a massive landslide area. After crossing the slide, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 miles to Wagner Glade Gap, passing through old growth stands of Douglas, Noble and white fir. Deer and bear are frequently sighted within the glade area. From Wagner Glade the trail turns to the left and gradually ascends the western flank of Wagner Butte for 2 miles, ending at the base of an abandoned lookout.

Wagner Butte was the site of a former Forest Service Lookout originally built in the 1920s and replaced with a cupola style Lookout in the 1960s. The lookout was removed in the 1970s as airplane surveillance became a more efficient way to locate forest fires. The mountain is named after an early settler, Jacob Wagner, who lived in the Talent area and operated the flour mill near the Ashland plaza.

At a Glance