Hike McNeil Point

Mount Hood, Oregon

4.9/5

based on 6 reviews

Save

View all 6 photos

All 6 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

10.5 miles

Elevation Gain

2200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Dan Moe

This hike is 10.5 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of ~2200 feet. Get amazing meadow views at Bald Mountain. When you cross the outflow from Glisan Glacier, the meadow provides great campsites. Duration: Half day or overnight if backpacking

The hike to McNeil Point begins at Top Spur Trailhead, in the Mt. Hood National Wilderness. Follow signs for McNeil Point along the Pacific Crest and Timberline Trails heading north.

Though there are numerous camping opportunities along the way (most of the route follows the PCT), an old stone shelter greets backpackers at the Point itself, with stunning views of the sun setting over the Coast Range. Wildflowers bloom in July and August.

If you're looking to camp, a great spot is after crossing the outflow from Glisan Glacier. The water flow helps create a lush environment in the surrounding meadow.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Forest

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Reviews

Clayton Lukens

Hike McNeil Point

07/01/20

This was a blast two backpack two summers ago. My dad and I did it and the view you get from the top is worth every step.

5.0

Derek Lemke

Hike McNeil Point

07/02/17

Hands down best day hike I have ever done. Hike the extra mile beyond the mc Neil shelter to the black rock. Hiked July 1st, lots of snow but was able to find trail easily/navigate with basic hiking shoes.

5.0

Jason Baker

Hike McNeil Point

02/19/16

I absolutely love this place. I visit it many times a year and hike on to the Sandy Glacier Ice Caves. The hike is beautiful and scenic but there are usually lots of people on the trail. I recommend this trail to everyone

5.0

Coleman Bright

Hike McNeil Point

04/02/15

One of the most beautiful hikes I've done!

5.0

Kyle Glidden

Hike McNeil Point

03/17/15

Gorgeous views, fresh glacier water, and a cool stone hut built by the Mazama's ages ago.

4.5

Matthew Mychack

Hike McNeil Point

01/02/15

Probably the best hike I've ever been on. The views from the top on a clear day are mind-blowing, and the constantly changing terrain never bores you. Worth the trip for sure.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Sandy Glacier Caves

The hike to the caves begins at Top Spur Trailhead. The hike to McNeil Point is 5.4 miles one way, and 2200 feet of elevation gain. The trail starts in the forest, but will eventually open up to views of Mt Hood, as well as St. Helens, Adams and Rainier on a clear day.There is a shortcut up to McNeil Point that is steeper and shorter, and it ends right at the stone hut at McNeil Point. It is di...

Hike the Timberline Loop Trail via the Top Spur Trail

Starting at the parking area, cross the dirt road to start hiking up from the Top Spur Trailhead. In 0.4 miles you will reach the Pacific Crest Trail intersection, take a right onto the Pacific Crest Trail. In a couple hundred feet you will reach a larger intersection of a bunch of different trails and there will be a wooden kiosk with information about the area. At this point take the trail to...

Hike to Ramona Falls

I'd been wanting to do this hike for quite a while, and when I found work taking me to Portland, I made my return trip through the Mt. Hood wilderness area. I started this Hike from the Ramona Falls trailhead, which is the most popular starting point. The easiest way to find the trailhead, is to type "Zig Zag Ranger Station" into a maps app. The turn off (Lolo Pass Road) is pretty much direct...

Backpack to Burnt Lake

After getting your back country permit from a park ranger, you can park your car and head up zig zag mountain. There's a tiny 'parking lot' (lot of dirt) where you park that's right by the trailhead.The hike up to the campsites is roughly 4 miles, and it is all uphill. Not only are you surrounded by the tall trees in this national forest, but you cross over some beautiful creeks, and pass by a ...

Snowshoe to Silcox Hut

Starting out at 6,000 feet elevation at Timberline lodge and climb approximately 1 mile with 1,000 foot elevation gain or you can take the mountaineering trail for a round trip of approximately 2.7 miles. For the out and back trail go behind the lodge and follow the Otto Lang trail which may be easiest to spot by the snow plow trail that seems to stay pretty fresh, but you may have to move over...

Hike Lost Lake Butte Trail to Mountain View

This is a great hike for those who are visiting Lost Lake. There's a steady 1200ft elevation climb all the way to the summit, so the hike will give you a good workout, but is worth it in the end. To begin this hike, make your way to the Lost Lake Campground Amphitheater Stage (off of NF Dev RD 1340) where you will find the Lake Shore Express Trail (#658). As you make your way up the trail, yo...

Hike McNeil Point

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hike to Sandy Glacier Caves

Hike the Timberline Loop Trail via the Top Spur Trail

Hike to Ramona Falls

Backpack to Burnt Lake

Snowshoe to Silcox Hut

Hike Lost Lake Butte Trail to Mountain View

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps