Even though Wagner Butte is on the outskirts of Ashland, it feels like you are in a very remote area. The drive to the trailhead is steep and dusty, as you climb to almost 5,000 feet elevation to start the hike. The circular parking lot is very large with plenty of space for cars and horse trailers. To start the hike, cross the road and the trail starts off pretty steep as the trail takes you through a very dry forest. During the beginning of June you will start to see wildflowers popping up already, such as Anemone and Ball-head waterleaf, and the bird song in these Southern Oregon forests is absolutely incredible!