McKinley Mine Trail

McKinley Mine Trail is an interesting hike into history, with the side benefit of views of the Siskiyou National Forest. The drive to the trail head is a relatively short 17 mile drive up asphalt and gravel roads. At the trail head is an unofficial campground.

Start at the trail head near Signal Buttes and head west. The ruins of Col. Munsey cabin are about a 20 minute one-way hike and are marked by a sign. A short distance beyond is his grave, also marked by a sign and a pile of rocks. Continue west to the old mine tunnel site which is now completely closed in and consists of a rock gravel area. The next site, 25 minutes beyond the grave, is a collapsed cabin that is not identified. The trail continues and is a pleasant and easy downhill hike and ends at Frog Lake (which is labeled incorrectly as Lake of the Woods in Google Maps). Keep an eye out for the trail markers as it is possible to lose the trail. Turn around when you are ready for the uphill hike back to the trail head.

Of interest are the several sites that appear to be graves but are unmarked. Near the trail head is what appears to be a grave, but the sign has deteriorated to be unreadable.

The altitude of the McKinley mine is 3950 feet. It was originally developed by Col. I. E. Munsey about 1893 who maintained it until his death in 1912. Reportedly, he was offered $60,000 for his property, but turned it down as he believed it was worth 100 times that amount.

Directions: From Route 101, turn east onto the Hunter Creek Loop South entrance and immediately bear right [check your mileage] onto Hunter Creek Road (route 635 - forest service road 3680). Continue to follow Hunter Creek Road for 5.0 miles as it turns from asphalt to gravel and head up into the Siskiyou National Forest on forest service road 3680. After 15.3 miles from Route 101, bear left onto road 190. Follow road 190 for 2.0 miles to the trail head. The trail head is marked by a weather worn sign that is easy to miss (see the photos on this website).

Do not attempt to use Google Maps or similar sources as these maps indicate roads that do not exist such as Signal Butte Road.

Note: During the spring, portions of the trail are quite wet. During the summer months, there is no water so be certain to take enough for you and your furry friends. Campfires are not allowed during the fire season - later in the summer and into fall. The main gravel roads are well maintained, but road 190 can be rutted or eroded making travel by low clearance cars difficult. However, most vehicles should have no problem accessing the trail head Parts of the early portions of the trail are loose rock and footing can be a minor challenge. The trail is not heavily used, but is usually well marked.

Note: After hiking about 15 minutes from the trail head, a dirt road is crossed. Signal Butte is a 20 minute or so hike to the right (north) down this dirt road. The dirt road seems to end in a field. The hiking trail up Signal Butte is hidden somewhat in the trees. The view from the top of Signal Butte is spectacular on a clear day.

Downloadable GPX file from the trail head, past the mine site to Frog Lake. Downloadable KML file for Google Earth of this day hike.

Latitude -124.279541
Longitude 42.405699