First time up McDonald Mountain today! Made it to the top and took the trail off the left just before the radio tower to the "summit" before turning around and heading back. The best parts of the trail, to me, were the first 2.25 miles. After that point, the trail joins with a clearly active forest/logging road. No vehicles today, but is clearly used more often.
The first mile of the trail is singletrack. Definitely carry a map and/or GPS - there lots of side trails, mostly for mountain bikes. After a mile, it joins with an old forest road that's clearly not well-used. After half a mile or so, it opens up with views to the north before eventually connecting with the more well-used road. After that point, there is maybe one or two more views, but it's mostly on the road in the trees, with some peekaboos through the trees.
With the exception of the second mile, it's a fairly consistent grade up, great for training.
No snow today. A couple spots were wet and cold, so likely only recently melted. Also a great hike for solitude - saw only two descending hikers on the way up. On the way down, a few bikers and two other hikers.
Lot is small, maybe 4 cars, with some additional parallel parking available along the road.
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