The trail to the summit is four miles one-way with a 2000 feet elevation gain. That elevation actually occurs over only three miles because the first mile is a relatively flat jaunt to Maude Creek, which was extremely low but still gurgling when I visited.
After crossing the creek, the trail starts climbing steadily and steeply through an old-growth forest. The meadows start approximately 2.5 miles from the trailhead, and their wildflower displays are well worth the climb! The above photograph shows some of the profuse beargrass (Xerophyllum tenax) blooming in the high meadows... I have never seen so much beargrass in one place!
The views east to Mount Jefferson and Three-Fingered Jack are especially wonderful. To the southwest, Browder Ridge appears close enough to touch.
I arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 am, and reached the summit in two and a half hours (going slowly to soak in the views). I did not see anyone else on the trail in either direction, which was a pleasant surprise.
