Acorn Woman Peak Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Little Grayback Trailhead
- End point: Little Grayback Trailhead
- Trail Log:
- Hike Type: Out-and-Back
- Distance: 11 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,800 feet
- High Point: 4,984 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: Yes (water may be an issue)
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
This is one of the more accessible of the hikes starting in or near the Applegate Valley in Southern Oregon. It provides access to Squaw Peak, with its old lookout and great views. Barring an unusual snow event, it’s open year-round. In the spring (April - June), there are wildflowers in the south-facing meadows (called "balds") crossed by the trail. In the summer, an early start allows you to climb the arid south-facing balds and twisted oak woodlands in the cool of the morning.
From the trailhead, the trail climbs steadily, but easily, toward Hanley Gap. After 4 miles, the trail ends at FR 2010-340 about 0.5 miles west of Hanley Gap. You can end your hike here and just retrace your steps or you can continue on another 1.5 miles to the old lookout on Squaw Peak (yes!). To go to the peak, continue northeast on FR 2010-340 to a 4-way intersection at Hanley Gap and continue east (straight) on the road around the usually locked gate for a steep, but short, climb up to the lookout. The Forest Service is expected to make this lookout available for rental in 2016 (see recreation.gov link below).
The lookout has been taken out of active service but the met telemetery station next to it is operational and its data stream is accessible via the web (see link below).
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Acorn Woman Peak Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Acorn Woman Peak Hike
Guidebooks that cover this destination
- The Siskiyou Crest: Hikes, History & Ecology by Luke Ruediger (pages 110-113)
- Rogue River National Forest (Oregon) Location map (very useful for making sense of the forest roads)
More Links
- USFS #921 Little Grayback Trail
- USFS driving directions to Squaw Peak
- Squaw Peak lookout rental
- Squaw Peak meteorology data
Page Contributors
- VanMarmot (creator)