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 Reporter |
Summary: Beginning of hike is through a beautiful forest setting and is quite relaxing. In some areas you are walking through close-in brush. At higher elevations you are above the treeline and it is quite steep/strenuous. Lunch stop at old rock shelter (McNeil Point) where one can see Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams on a clear day. Quite worth it. Trailhead: Hwy 26 to Zigzag Ranger Station. Turn Norh on Truman Road for approx 4.25 miles to split at Lolo Pass/Muddy Fork Rds. Take right fork (Muddy Fork Rd) approx 1 mile (just before Fred McNeil Campground - get there and gone to far) and bear left - Road 1828. Continue 2 mile to another fork and bear right. Another 3.7 miles to 2 way fork - take right. Another 1.5 miles to trail head at Top Spur Trail. After left on Road 1828 - follow signs for "Top Spur Trail No. 785" (Lat:45.2444 Lon:-121.4713) Trail Guides for McNeil Point: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Zigzag Ranger Station (503) 622-3191 or Mt. Hood Info Center (503) 622-4822 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jimm Burton, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 3 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Sarah on 10/12/2009 10/10/09 After reading Philipp's 10/6 account, we almost pulled the plug on this dayhike but the rangers said people had been going up all week. While the temp's Saturday were never much above freezing and the snow was pretty much solid after 2 miles, there was a hard-pack trail (thanks to all who did that!)... but still we gave up at around 5500 feet once the trail started side-hilling the steep slope area (estimated 15-20 inches deep where we stopped). Good Luck!
Reviewed by Philipp K. on 10/6/2009 10/06/09 Brutal, dressed for snow, but forgot poles, snow shoes, crampons. 6.04 am Boring, OR 41 degrees 6.26 am Zig Zag, OR 36 degrees 7.02 am Top Spur TH, bloody cold, snow/ice frozen and very crunchy path with ankle twisting foot tread 11.20 am arrived at McNeil Hut, snow ~ 20 inches deep. Went the long way, via the two tarns and up the ridge next to the creek, not too much problem.......until I had to cross the two snow fields, and that was a real challenge - finding my own route - no crampons - hence a four hour ascent (kick, kick, kick) for a normal 2.5 hour climb. But very beautiful - pristine virgin snow. 11.40 am started back down, but went straight down from the Point following foot steps. 13.16 back to car, totally whi
Reviewed by Shane K. on 7/19/2009 So far hiking from top spur trail head. this was one of the most beautiful hikes ive had in years the wild flowers were out in abundance. met many hikers up and back but i didnt mind as everyone is pretty spread out. the best part was actually getting to the rock hut at mcneil point or close to it. it was a virtual garden of indian paint brush, blue lupine, bear grass, glacier lilys, and many many more truly amazing. 7-17-09 and yes i will go agian for sure. having lunch at the hut i heard a huge crash of rocks that echoed through the area around me. i cannot say enough about this hike it was a very good day indeed. no wind, hot hot hot that day. the best. peace.
Reviewed by tasha & aaron on 9/2/2008 9/1/08 It was pretty cloudy and misty on our way up, but it cleared once we made it to the ponds. The view is so breath-taking. Seems to me there are more wildflowers for this late. They were gorgeous. The view at the top once again became cloudy but even so the trip was so worth the effort! 
Reviewed by bob (8/23) on 8/24/2008 perfect. clear - rainier. no bugs. tons of flowers up high. started at 8:30 down by 2.
Reviewed by Abe on 8/18/2008 You can find directions for the hike with pictures at http://abeolson.com/home/mcneil-point-hike-directions/.
Reviewed by LJC on 8/12/2007 An awesome, but strenuous hike, as always. Was up it yesterday. A cloud formed over the summit, then dissipated. Shelter site had no wind - could lie with shirt off, soaking up the sun, was very nice. Flies there on the trail, but not as bad as in past years. Huckleberries not out yet. Lots of corn lillies, beargrass, spruce and fir, a few bracken ferns, and an odd pink and white fungi like creature, called Pine Sap according to a friend. A deer was near the trail at one point. Lots of wildflowers still out, both in meadows and along trail - Indian Paintbrush, Lupen, Trillium, Lousewort, Valerian, Blue Gentian, Rosy Spirea, Asters, and pink and white candy-like Heather up high. Email: photogart@gmail.com .
Reviewed by Phillip on 11/7/2006 Hey Jeff L, see my posts below.....couple guys and I ONLY do the point in the winter. As a matter of fact, we are going November 18th and 19th. Two weeks buddy!!!!! philliptrost@gmail.com Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Clackamas County Hiking, Clackamas County Trails, Clackamas County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||