Combine Hiking on Mt. McLoughlin with Your Visit to the EPGC

Do you love the outdoors? Are you looking for a vacation destination where you can participate in several activities as well as golfing? Southern Oregon is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts, and at the heart of this pristine wilderness stands Mt. McLoughlin. As the sixth-highest peak in Oregon’s Cascade Range and the eleventh-highest in the state, Mt. McLoughlin captivates adventurers with its picturesque conical shape and offers an unforgettable hiking experience that extends from spring through fall. For experienced outdoor adventurers, hiking on Mt. McLoughlin is the perfect complement to a golfing getaway at the EPGC.

Your Adventure Awaits

The trailhead for hiking on Mt. McLoughlin can be found in a serene forested area, where you’ll cross the Cascade Canal, a historic waterway that once supplied water to the Rogue Valley’s agricultural lands. The forest here is a tapestry of Shasta red fir, grand fir, western white pine, and mountain hemlock, complemented by small glades adorned with lupine, goldenrod, and penstemon. Your hike officially enters the Sky Lakes Wilderness, promising solitude and pristine natural beauty.

Hiking on Mt. McLoughlin is a tough challenge that rewards those who dare to conquer it. As you ascend, you’ll notice large red firs lining the trail. Keep an eye out for squirrels and chipmunks as you gradually make your way to the junction with the Freye Lake Trail, which leads to the beautiful Freye Lake, a mere 0.2 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

Choose the left fork at the junction, and you’ll embark on a journey filled with undulating grades and gullies. The forest transforms into a rocky, alpine wonderland dominated by majestic mountain hemlocks. The scenery opens up to reveal breathtaking vistas, including the pristine Fourmile Lake, Swan Lake, and the imposing Peak 6564 to the northeast.

As you continue your ascent, you’ll encounter whitebark pines, their twisted forms adding character to the landscape. Among the rocks, pine mat manzanita and common juniper thrive, while golden-mantled ground squirrels may make a fleeting appearance.

Reaching the summit of Mt. McLoughlin is an achievement that offers unparalleled rewards. The rugged northeast ridge of the mountain showcases fascinating volcanic formations, and the panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking. On a clear day, gaze north to catch glimpses of South Sister, Crater Lake, and Mt. Thielsen. To the east, you’ll be treated to views of Saddle Mountain across Upper Klamath Lake. To the south, the peaks of the Mountain Lakes Wilderness, Lake of the Woods, and Fish Lake, with Brown Mountain and its lava flow, create a mesmerizing tableau. And don’t forget to look west, where the towering Mt. Shasta and Mt. Lassen make their grand appearance.

Enjoy all the wonders of Southern Oregon from The Resort at Eagle Point.

While the Eagle Point Golf Club is a world-renown course designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and located within the Resort at Eagle Point, a golfing trip to the area becomes a truly unforgettable experience when combined with other outdoor activities in our beautiful Southern Oregon region. Our staff can work with you to recommend additions to your itinerary, from local winetasting tours to rafting the Rogue River, that will suit your interests well. Plus, resting your weary feet within our luxury on-site accommodations at The Chalets is the perfect ending to a beautiful day. We can’t wait for you to be our guest.