Mount McLoughlin has a hiking trail to its summit. While non-technical, the trail gains about in elevation, typically requiring at least six hours from start to finish. The trail receives moderate to heavy use each year; the peak is easiest to reach from July through September, when snow is minimal along the path. The Mt. McLoughlin Trailhead is on Forest Road 3650, north of Oregon SR-140. After about , the Mt. McLoughlin Trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail for half a mile, then passes through a forested area for about before reaching timberline. The last mile of the route travels over blocky lava and rubble, and the trail above the tree line is less clearly delineated. From the summit, Mount Shasta and Crater Lake can be seen.