Donate
Calendar

Past Activity

Macduff Mountain – Full Monty

  • Start date: 05/29/2025

  • Start time: 7:30 AM

Description:

We will do an out and back hike to the top of McDuff Mountain from the lower trailhead above Cougar Reservoir (rain or shine). This well-graded trail takes us through a variety of forest settings and along an intrusive volcanic dike to arrive at the site of a former lookout with good views to the east and north (and a surprise). For those planning on doing mountain climbs this summer this is a good conditioning hike (especially with a 20-40 lb. pack). Participants should be capable of up to 3 hours of sustained uphill hiking at a moderate pace. Suggested passenger donation to drivers is $10/passenger.

Plaque placed by Obsidians in 1931 to honor Nelson McDuff Photo by: Steve Davis

  • Event Leader: Steve Davis

  • Event Leader Phone: 832-527-1756

  • Event Leader Email: lunaripple1@gmail.com

  • Assistant Leader:

  • Event category: Trips

  • Area Type: Mountain

  • Departure Location: Behind McDonalds, 57th and Main in Springfield

  • Rating: Difficult

  • Roundtrip total drive miles: 92

  • Season: 2025

  • Permits Required:

  • Event Status: Passed

  • Supplies and Equipment Required: Good footwear, layers for various weather conditions, lunch, snacks, 1.5-3 liters water, trekking poles (optional), 10 essentials, personal first aid kit.

  • participant prerequisites: Must be able to hike uphill for 3 hours at a moderate pace (2-2.5 mph).

  • Conditions:

  • Total Distance: 10.6

  • Member Fees: —

  • Elevation Gain: 2800 ft

  • Non-Member Fees: 5

  • Committee: Trips

  • Junior member fees: —

Trip Report

3 hearty hikers summited McDuff Mountain after 5.4 miles and 2800 ft elevation gain under overcast skies. Along the way we encountered a wide variety of wildflowers some of which included Woodland Phlox, paintbrush Larkspur, white iris, rhodies, and Trillium. Once on top Steve shared the history of the plaque placed by the Obsidians (kindly transmitted to Steve by Janet Jacobson) and the decision was taken to continue on to the top of McLennan Mountain (the other 1/2 of the story). The 2 miles beyond McDuff Mtn. had numerous deadfall across the trail and the summit of McLennan Mtn. was completely forested affording us no view (Steve had been warned by Janet that that might be the case). We reversed course and returned to the trailhead after a long hike of 14.6 miles and almost 4000 ft elevation gain.

Gallery