Jug Mountain Backcountry Touring, McCall Idaho

Jug Mountain Backcountry Touring -McCall, Idaho

Overview

Jug Mountain is one of the more iconic mountains around McCall. It is noticeable to the east as you’re driving from Lake Fork to McCall and rests above Louie lake which is one of the most popular hikes in the area. Jug mountain is a great hike in the summer and a popular backcountry ski destination in the winter. It’s accessible all year, however, be wary of avalanches during the winter, the slopes on the west face are in the mid 30 degree range while the slopes off the east side are in the 70s. There are a few ways to access Jug Mountain in the winter, on this trip we started at the Jug Mountain Ranch Clubhouse and continued up the Nordic trails for a couple miles until we branched off on a skin track. This trip boasted an elevation gain of a little under 3,200 ft and a round trip distance of 11.65 miles.

Difficulty:

Strenuous

Best Season:

Accessible all winter but safest in the spring

Time:

6-7 hours

Elevation Range:

5,042 to 8,035 ft.

Trailhead Directions

It only takes about 20 minutes to get to the trailhead at the Jug mountain Ranch Clubhouse from McCall, Idaho. At the corner of E. Lake St. and N. 3rd St. in Downtown McCall, head south on N. 3rd St./SH-55 for 5.5 Miles. Turn left (East) on E Lake Fork Rd. Continue for 3.2 miles and arrive at the Jug Mountain ranch Clubhouse. The trail starts on the east side of the parking lot.

Written by evergreengems • March 29, 2020
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