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Saturday, July 7th, a leisurely stroll up Top Spur Trail, around Bald Mountain and up to the second, level view point netted gorgeous vistas of the mountain, Muddy Fork and the Mt. Hood Wilderness. Wildflowers were at their peak, including the beautiful Mariposa Lilies. The Cascade or Mt. Hood lily was not present and we hope to find it in bloom another time.
If ever there was a designated Chamber of Commerce hike promoting the majestic beauty of Mt. Hood, this should be it. It's definitely my personal favorite on the mountain for a jaw-gaping, nose-to-nose mountain experience looking into the eyes of this giant from close range.
Top Spur trail begins with a sublime hike through old growth forest which is captivating by itself, but rounding Bald Mountain for the first big view of Mount Hood is totally stunning. From this vantage point magnificent flanges, towering ridges and sculpted details of a time-etched geological face fill ones entire field of vision. This trail is a bit "edgy" with breath-catching view of the Muddy Fork far below as it falls away from the Sandy Glacier on the mountain's west side.
If the precipitous drop-offs are a concern, this side trip around Bald Mountain can be bypassed without losing the hikes essence, as a second panorama waits further up the trail.
To continue the McNeil Point hike from Bald Mountain, follow the trail to a fork, taking the unmarked trail to the left, up and over the hill a short distance to the Timberline Trail and turn uphill. The downhill trail will return to the parking area.
At the next plateau, the second panorama bursts into view, offering a series of spectacular sights to woo the senses, then continues to three shallow glacial ponds lined shortly after snow-melt with "old-man-of-the-woods" (Pasque flower) with fuzzy mop heads and, if it's the right year and it's spring, prominent white stalks of delicate bear grass line the ponds.
Past the ponds, the trail winds through more sub alpine forest and open meadows, across several shallow streams glacial runoff and uphill to a vast open meadow which, if you catch the time right, can be the most extensive wildflower show on the mountain. Unfortunately, the meadows have been over-loved and the trail rerouted to allow recovery of the area, but can still be viewed from a ridge when the original trail is rejoined.
At the ridge, a beautiful rock strewn glacial stream is visible below the closest view yet of the ice-carved mountain top. The trail then leads across a snowy glacier and in one mile ends at the McNeil Point stone shelter where, at the 6100 foot level, the views in any direction are overwhelming. It's a lasting experience.
Of particular note while driving to the trailhead was the incredible storm debris, soil erosion and disruption of stream beds on the Sandy River in the aftermath of last winter's severe storm. Some residences along the river banks were stripped of protective trees and landscapes, leaving lots bare and exposed.
Although the trails were cleared of many downed trees, a dozen or so still existed on Top Spur, but required minimal negotiation.
ELEVATION / MILEAGE
The full hike - approx. 2300' and 9 miles
DIRECTIONS
Obtain driving directions from a hiking guide book or stop at the Zig Zag Ranger Station on Highway 26, as the route travels over a number of paved logging roads from Lolo Pass.
TIPS
Black flies are prevalent for the first couple of weeks after snow melt. Check for the Zig Zag Ranger Station.
PASS
Northwest Parking Pass or equivalent is required.
If ever there was a designated Chamber of Commerce hike promoting the majestic beauty of Mt. Hood, this should be it. It's definitely my personal favorite on the mountain for a jaw-gaping, nose-to-nose mountain experience looking into the eyes of this giant from close range.
Top Spur trail begins with a sublime hike through old growth forest which is captivating by itself, but rounding Bald Mountain for the first big view of Mount Hood is totally stunning. From this vantage point magnificent flanges, towering ridges and sculpted details of a time-etched geological face fill ones entire field of vision. This trail is a bit "edgy" with breath-catching view of the Muddy Fork far below as it falls away from the Sandy Glacier on the mountain's west side.
If the precipitous drop-offs are a concern, this side trip around Bald Mountain can be bypassed without losing the hikes essence, as a second panorama waits further up the trail.
To continue the McNeil Point hike from Bald Mountain, follow the trail to a fork, taking the unmarked trail to the left, up and over the hill a short distance to the Timberline Trail and turn uphill. The downhill trail will return to the parking area.
At the next plateau, the second panorama bursts into view, offering a series of spectacular sights to woo the senses, then continues to three shallow glacial ponds lined shortly after snow-melt with "old-man-of-the-woods" (Pasque flower) with fuzzy mop heads and, if it's the right year and it's spring, prominent white stalks of delicate bear grass line the ponds.
Past the ponds, the trail winds through more sub alpine forest and open meadows, across several shallow streams glacial runoff and uphill to a vast open meadow which, if you catch the time right, can be the most extensive wildflower show on the mountain. Unfortunately, the meadows have been over-loved and the trail rerouted to allow recovery of the area, but can still be viewed from a ridge when the original trail is rejoined.
At the ridge, a beautiful rock strewn glacial stream is visible below the closest view yet of the ice-carved mountain top. The trail then leads across a snowy glacier and in one mile ends at the McNeil Point stone shelter where, at the 6100 foot level, the views in any direction are overwhelming. It's a lasting experience.
Of particular note while driving to the trailhead was the incredible storm debris, soil erosion and disruption of stream beds on the Sandy River in the aftermath of last winter's severe storm. Some residences along the river banks were stripped of protective trees and landscapes, leaving lots bare and exposed.
Although the trails were cleared of many downed trees, a dozen or so still existed on Top Spur, but required minimal negotiation.
ELEVATION / MILEAGE
The full hike - approx. 2300' and 9 miles
DIRECTIONS
Obtain driving directions from a hiking guide book or stop at the Zig Zag Ranger Station on Highway 26, as the route travels over a number of paved logging roads from Lolo Pass.
TIPS
Black flies are prevalent for the first couple of weeks after snow melt. Check for the Zig Zag Ranger Station.
PASS
Northwest Parking Pass or equivalent is required.
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