Peter Skene Ogden and McKay Butte Trail

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail is often accessed near McKay Crossing Campground. For McKay Butte, a forest road from McKay Campground provides access. Both locations offer parking options to begin your route.

Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. The constant presence of Paulina Creek along the Peter Skene Ogden Trail provides excellent opportunities for your pets to hydrate. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow Leave No Trace principles.

The best time to jog this trail is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when the paths are clear of snow. Visiting McKay Butte later in the season might offer more solitude. Always check local weather and trail conditions before heading out.

While there might not be specific permits for jogging the trail itself, some areas within the Deschutes National Forest, including certain campgrounds or day-use sites, may require a recreation pass or fee. It's always a good idea to check the U.S. Forest Service website for the Deschutes National Forest before your visit to confirm any current regulations or fee requirements.

The Peter Skene Ogden Trail is primarily a single-track dirt and rock path, often described as '100% runnable' with soft yet solid ground. Be mindful of 'sneaky roots and stubby sticks.' The McKay Butte section, accessed via a forest road, will likely be a wider, potentially dusty or rutted path with a moderate incline, becoming steeper near the summit.

This route offers diverse scenery. Along the Peter Skene Ogden Trail, you'll encounter numerous waterfalls, natural waterslides in Paulina Creek, and varying forest landscapes of lodgepole and ponderosa pines. The summit of McKay Butte provides gorgeous, unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding forest and distant snow-capped mountains. You'll also pass by McKay Crossing Falls.

Yes, if you prefer a more gradual descent, consider starting your jog from the Paulina Lake end of the Peter Skene Ogden Trail. Starting from McKay Crossing Campground involves a significant uphill climb, gaining about 2,000 feet over 8.5 miles, with the first four miles being a gentle, gradual uphill.

The estimated duration for jogging the Peter Skene Ogden and McKay Butte Trail is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. This can vary based on your pace, fitness level, and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

Yes, the route incorporates sections of several National Forest Development Roads, including National Forest Development Road 9736, National Forest Development Road 300, National Forest Development Road 2120, and National Forest Development Road 500. It also includes a portion of the Peter Skene Ogden Trail.

Yes, the Peter Skene Ogden Trail runs alongside Paulina Creek for much of its length, providing a constant natural water source. While it's a great opportunity for hydration, it's always recommended to filter or treat any water from natural sources before drinking.

Given its 'moderate' difficulty grade and significant elevation gain if starting from McKay Crossing, this route might be challenging for absolute beginners. However, the first four miles of the Peter Skene Ogden Trail from McKay Crossing are a gentle, gradual uphill, which could be a good starting point for those building endurance. The McKay Butte section involves a moderate incline on a forest road.