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Brown Mountain Trail

Winema National Forest, Oregon · 3 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
900 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
May through November
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Recent lava flow terrain with a-aa and pahoehoe basalt formations
  • Views of Mount McLoughlin above the lava fields
  • Unique volcanic landscape unlike any other in the Winema area
  • Low elevation provides early-season access
  • Accessible directly from Highway 140
viewsrock formationswildlife

Overview

The Brown Mountain Trail in Winema National Forest crosses one of the youngest lava flows in southern Oregon, a basalt field that erupted approximately 9,000 years ago and created a landscape still rough-edged and stark. The trail winds through this volcanic terrain with Mount McLoughlin's cone, itself a young volcano, rising above the lava fields as a constant landmark.

Walking on the lava is a fundamentally different experience from forest trail hiking: the rock is jagged, unstable in places, and physically demanding underfoot. The young age of the flow means the forest reclamation is still in early stages, with trees growing through cracks and pockets of soil accumulated over millennia. The contrast between the living forest and the dead lava rock is striking throughout.

The Route

The trail begins at Highway 140 and immediately enters the lava field, following cairns across the rough surface. The route stays on or near the lava flow for much of its length before entering forest sections on the approach to the turnaround viewpoint. The return follows the same route back across the lava.

What to Expect

Stiff-soled boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. The jagged basalt is rough on soft footwear and slippery in wet conditions. No water is available on the route; carry all you need. The lava can be hot on summer days from radiating heat. The highway trailhead has good cell service but coverage drops quickly on the trail.

Nearby

The Alta Lake Trail provides a forested lake alternative nearby. Mount McLoughlin, visible from the trail, is the highest peak in the southern Oregon Cascades and can be climbed from a trailhead off Highway 140. Lake of the Woods Resort is about 10 miles west on the highway.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The moderate rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Winema National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Brown Mountain Trailhead on State Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls. Paved pullout with room for 10 vehicles. No fee.

← Back to Winema National Forest

More Trails in Winema National Forest

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Alta Lake Trail

5.2 mi1,000 ft gain
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Hike to Alta Lake in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 5.2-mile out-and-back climbs through mountain hemlock forest to a quiet alpine lake near the Oregon-California border.

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Mountain Lakes Wilderness Trail

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Backpack the Mountain Lakes Wilderness Loop in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate-hard 17.0-mile loop circles a collapsed volcanic caldera with multiple high lakes in one of Oregon's smallest wilderness areas.

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Old Crater Trail

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Explore the Old Crater Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 5.8-mile out-and-back visits an ancient volcanic crater with views over the Klamath Basin and access to obsidian deposits.

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Pelican Butte Trail

7.6 mi2,700 ft gain
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Summit Pelican Butte in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This strenuous 7.6-mile out-and-back climbs to an 8,036-foot summit with a historic fire lookout and panoramic views over Klamath Lake and the Sky Lakes.

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Sky Lakes South Trail

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Hike the Sky Lakes South Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate 9.0-mile out-and-back approaches the southern Sky Lakes Wilderness from the Klamath side, reaching a cluster of alpine lakes on the Cascade crest.

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Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail

16 mi2,800 ft gain
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Backpack the Sky Lakes Wilderness Trail in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This moderate-hard 16.0-mile out-and-back explores a chain of alpine lakes on the Cascade crest between Crater Lake and Mount McLoughlin.

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Westside Trail

6 mi200 ft gain
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Hike the Westside Trail along Upper Klamath Lake in Winema National Forest, Oregon. This easy 6.0-mile out-and-back follows the western shore of Oregon's largest lake through rare marsh and canoe trail habitat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lava flow on the Brown Mountain Trail?
The trail crosses the Brown Mountain lava flow, a basalt flow that erupted from Brown Mountain approximately 9,000 years ago. The flow covered the surrounding forest and created the broken, rough terrain that characterizes much of the trail. Successive forest regrowth through cracks in the lava is visible throughout.
How difficult is the Brown Mountain Trail?
The 7.0-mile out-and-back is rated moderate with 900 feet of elevation gain. The rocky, uneven lava terrain requires careful footing and makes progress slower than the distance might suggest. Most hikers allow 4 to 5 hours.
Is the lava terrain hard to walk on?
Yes. The a-aa lava (rough, jagged basalt) is tiring to walk on and potentially ankle-twisting if attention lapses. Wear stiff-soled boots with ankle support. The trail is marked with cairns through the lava sections where the path is not obvious.
When is the Brown Mountain Trail accessible?
The low elevation of the trailhead (approximately 5,000 feet) means this trail is often accessible from May through November. It is one of the earlier-opening trails in the Winema area and a good option when higher routes remain snow-covered.