Mount McLoughlin(edit)

Overview

This is a difficult one way trail to Mount McLoughlin in Sky Lakes Wilderness.

This trail goes by Freye Lake.

From the start at Mount McLoughlin Trailhead you'll begin a steep climb up to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). You'll follow the PCT briefly before it veers off at a second junction, where you will continue up McLoughlin's summit trail. The Mount McLoughlin trail is marked in many places by white blazes on rocks. There is also an informational sign near the beginning of the trail warning hikers to not try and take the scree slope due south of the summit down to the trailhead, as many individuals have gotten lost attempting this.

The hike is steady and also has a good amount of shade from trailhead up to tree line. Above the tree line you will be picking your way over larger rocks, sometimes using your hands for balance. The summit block itself provides great 360 degree views, includes two summit register canisters with notebooks and trinkets, and some spots to sit in the shade of larger rocks if needed.

On the way down, you'll be moving slowly as you pick your way back over the rocks you hiked up. Once back in treelike your pace will pick up, and your reward for getting back to the trailhead is a small stream right by the parking lot with ample places to dip your feet in and cool off if necessary.

Getting Started

The parking lot has room for 15 to 20 cars and has one pit toilet and information board.