Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818
Posted: July 12th, 2018, 10:39 pm
Left Pdx Midnight drove thru the night to Medford, taking a couple of short naps in the rest areas. Started the hike from the Summit TH (3700ft) along the PCT eventually after close to 5 miles it intersects the Mcloughlin trail. I'd Realize later that this was not the best decision. The McLoughlin TH on 3650 at 5700ft would have been a much better option. Once on MCloughlin trail, it is just steep boulder hopping guided by small white paint dots and pink ribbons. For over 8000ft altitude you never get to see the Mountain at all, and the suddenly you see the eroded side of the mountain. Progressively the trail gets worse as you climb higher, and importantly, you have to stay close to the ridge line.
I had set a turnaround time of 2.00pm and by this time had logged 8700 ft altitude and over ~5000ft EG. I can see the summit clearly and people going up and down. Reluctantly turned around to finish it another day. When I reach the TH, had logged in all 16.1 miles and over 5000 ft gain. The skies were clear thru the morning and with change of wind direction, brought more smoke and got pretty hazy. Overall great climb and incredible views. Will go back again and finish the climb this season. And oh, I have not seen such big mosquitoes and in such frenzy, a mosquito face net, picaridin did the trick.
I had set a turnaround time of 2.00pm and by this time had logged 8700 ft altitude and over ~5000ft EG. I can see the summit clearly and people going up and down. Reluctantly turned around to finish it another day. When I reach the TH, had logged in all 16.1 miles and over 5000 ft gain. The skies were clear thru the morning and with change of wind direction, brought more smoke and got pretty hazy. Overall great climb and incredible views. Will go back again and finish the climb this season. And oh, I have not seen such big mosquitoes and in such frenzy, a mosquito face net, picaridin did the trick.