I can't believe I missed reviewing McDonald in the past. I love McDonald Peak. It is a beautiful stroll from RD 20 on a nice trail, great view, great flora in summer time. It was one peak I spent some time at in 2019 and realized SOTA was where I belonged in radio. Sitting in the flower covered slope enjoying the view. Easy set up among a mix of slopes and boulders.
McDonald I estimate to be just over 1mi RT in and out trail if that is all you are doing. I will put a link on here for info on doing McDonald and Wagner together via Split Rock Trail. This is probably how I will do the two this year, 2022, in July. When I did this route with K7GT, Kj7GFN in 2020, the blooms were fantastic and it was a very enjoyable trail.
If at McDonald you can easily squeeze in a 2nd summit or even 3rd along the Siskiyou Crest. They are all worth it in my opinion. Pics are from 3 activations, 3 different months of the year so all different. If I only had time for one, Mt Ashland or McDonald, I would choose Mcdonald. Mt A may have slightly better view (or just different) but McD has no rfi and a bit of timber.
de AG7GP
See 2020 update in this link for doing McDonald to Wagner. It would be about 12mi hike RT
http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/ag7gp/2020-march-28/wagner-butte-or-july-2019
Rd 20 is gated past lodge area during winter months.
