Brown Mountain is more accessible and a shorter drive than some of the other southern Oregon peaks. An easier climb than Mount McLoughlin (Route 70), Brown Mountain can be combined with its neighboring peak for a double-summit weekend.

Nestled in the Winema Wilderness, Brown Mountain lies in both the Fremont–Winema and Rogue River–Siskiyou national forests. The mountain, surrounded by lava fields, is a slag heap of a cinder cone like Black Butte in central Oregon (Route 40). In winter, there can be plenty of snow, but later in the spring, bring rock skis—there’s a load of talus and scree. Watch for snowmobilers, and be ready for a long trek in on the road.

Start Point: Brown mountain trailhead, 4800 feet
High Point: Brown mountain summit, 7311 feet
Trail Distance: 6 miles
Trail time: 5 hours
Skill Level: Intermediate

(Trail description courtesy of Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Routes: Oregon by Christopher Van Tilburg)

Directions: GETTING THERE. From Medford, drive north on OR-62 (Crater Lake Highway) 8 miles, then drive east on OR-140 (Lake of the Woods Highway) 30 miles. Two miles past Summit Sno-Park, park at the large turnoff on the left (north) side of the road or at the Brown Mountain trailhead across the road. The trail heads up the east side of the mountain.  THE ROUTE. From the Brown Mountain trailhead, ski up Forest Road 3640, which is closed in winter. Head south and catch the Brown Mountain Trail 1005 after about a half mile. When you reach the open lava fields, follow the wide-open slopes of Brown Mountain’s east flank to the summit. There are a lot of spots to descend back down the east side you climbed up. Just make sure you catch the trail home.

Seasonal Access: Winter

Facility Type: Trail