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Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 12th, 2018, 10:39 pm
by mjanardh
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.

Re: Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 13th, 2018, 5:34 am
by VanMarmot
Yes, the Summit Sno-Park TH just off Hwy 140 is the winter trailhead for McLoughlin. In the summer, you can start higher (and a lot closer) from the trailhead on FR 3661-240. So then it's only 10 mi RT & 4,000 feet. The trail goes to 8,200 feet and then the white dots & boulder hopping starts. Come back in mid-September - we might be out of wildfire season by then but the mosquitos will definitely be gone. :)

Re: Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 13th, 2018, 10:05 am
by jeffstatt
Wow judging by that GPS track - holy cow that is straight up!!

Re: Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 13th, 2018, 11:23 am
by johnspeth
And shame on whoever is responsible for the spray painted rocks. I didn't find them very useful and they're excessive and an eyesore.

Re: Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 13th, 2018, 7:36 pm
by mjanardh
Vanmarmot, i will certainly return and follow your advice, thx :)

Re: Mt Mcloughlin Climb m 070818

Posted: July 24th, 2018, 5:31 pm
by mjanardh
jeffstatt wrote:
July 13th, 2018, 10:05 am
Wow judging by that GPS track - holy cow that is straight up!!
yep, practically stair stepping over rocks.