Incredible Views from the Siskiyou Crest & McDonald Peak

I hope you can make this beautiful hike that is part of our backyard in Southern Oregon. The wildflowers, Grouse & butterflies are out!

We'll walk the crest of the Siskiyou Mountains and hike to the top of McDonald Peak! This hike is about 6 miles with less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain. Dogs are welcome.

At 9am, we will carpool from the Rite Aid in Ashland (close to Exit 14 on I-5).
Head south on Interstate 5. Get off at Exit 6, and head to Mt. Ashland.
After passing the Mt. Ashland Ski Resort, the pavement ends and becomes Road 20. Keep going on the gravel road, Road 20, past the Mt. Ashland campground on the left, and the turn off to Mt. Ashland on the right.

After 2.2 miles on gravel Road 20, we'll park at the junction of Road 20, and the turnoff for Grouse Gap.

The beginning of our hike on Road 20 gains elevation. After 0.8 miles, look for the remnants of an old road veering off on the right. The old road is a 0.2 mile trail that goes directly to the Split Rock trailhead where there is signage.

Turn right onto the Split Rock trail. It's 0.6 miles to McDonald Peak. The Split Rock trail is a bit rugged. Walking poles are helpful on this section. There is a climb, then a descent, then a final climb to the top of McDonald Peak. The wildflowers and views will probably have you reaching for your camera.

At the top of McDonald Peak there is a trail sign pointing left that goes to Wagner Butte. Go to the right instead to the summit of McDonald Peak.

McDonald Peak is an ideal location for a snack and maybe some lunch.
From McDonald Peak views are in all directions. Mt. Ashland with its white dome is prominent to the east, and Mt. Shasta looms to the south. Meridian View, our 2nd snack and lunch stop, can also be seen from McDonald Peak.

We'll return the way we came 0.6 miles on the Split Rock trail and continue west on Road 20 as it gradually descends to Meridian View. On our right, we'll be able to see where we were on McDonald Peak.

After 0.9 miles, Meridian View appears on the left. There is signage. There is a stone wall about 2 feet tall that makes for a comfortable place to sit.

From Meridian Viewpoint, we'll walk a hundred yards and turn left on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Once on the PCT it's a little over 2 miles back to our cars.

If something comes up, you can send Chris a Meetup message or a text at (541) 261-8167. I hope you can make this hike!