Agency: USDA Forest Service Location: 10 miles southwest of Talent, Oregon. Difficulty: More Difficult Distance: 16 miles (one way) Elevation Change: 6,675 feet High Point: 7,140 feet Season: June through October 2D/3D Trail Map

Description

This nice hike close to the Rogue Valley offers panoramic views of the Rogue and Little Applegate Valleys and surrounding mountain peaks. Displays of wildflowers may be seen in early summer. Due to the difficulty in crossing a landslide area, stock are not recommended on the trail at this time. Water along the trail is not tested and may be unsafe to drink.

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.

Wagner Butte was the site of a former Forest Service look-out originally built in the 1920’s and replaced with a cupola style look-out in the 1960’s. The look-out was removed in the 1970’s as airplane surveillance became a more efficient way to locate forest fires. The mountain is named after an early settler, Jacob Wagner, who lived in the Talent area and operated the flour mill near the Ashland plaza.

Access

Head west from Talent on Wagner Creek Road. Continue several miles up the lovely Wagner Creek drainage. Blacktop changes to gravel as the road enters Forest Service land. Keep left at first fork and continue to Wagner Gap. At Wagner Gap, turn left onto Road 22 toward Mount Ashland. Continue a few miles until you see the Wagner Butte Trailhead sign on the left, and a dirt parking area on the right. Plenty of parking here.

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