Wagner Butte (near Ashland, Ore.)

Rating (Out of 5): 3.5

Location: Near Ashland, Ore.

Distance: 10 miles round-trip

Difficulty: Difficult

Camping: Yes near summit

Quick hit: Wagner Butte might just offer the best views of the Rogue and Little Applegate Valley in the Oregon Siskiyou Mountains. This trail is well-graded and has very light use but is tough, ascending 2,180 feet to a fantastic little summit lookout where you can see every major mountain in the area, from Mount Shasta to Mount Ashland. The trail swings past two meadows that feature wildflowers during early summer and wonderful mountain views.

Beginning on Forest Road 22, the trail crosses a small timber sale unit before following an abandoned roadbed for 1.2 miles to the edge of a massive landslide area. After crossing the slide, the trail climbs steeply for about 2 miles to Wagner Glade Gap, passing through old growth stands of Douglas, Noble and white fir. Deer and bear are frequently sighted within the glade area.

From Wagner Glade, the trail turns to the left and gradually ascends the western flank of Wagner Butte for 2 miles, ending at the base of an abandoned lookout.

Directions: From old Highway 99 in downtown Talent, turn right onto Rapp Road. Drive 1 mile to a stop sign and continue straight on Wagner Creek Road. Continue on this road as it goes from pavement to gravel for about eight miles. After passing a cattle grate, veer left on Forest Road 22 and continue 2 miles to a large parking area on the right. The trailhead begins to the left of the road. This area is logged, so be careful for logging trucks.

For more info: http://www.outdoor.com/activities/backpacking/oregon-wagner-butte-trail/

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