Overview
McNeil Point sits at about 6,100 feet on Mount Hood's northwest shoulder, high enough to look across the Sandy and Reid glaciers and down the length of the mountain's western ridgelines. The view from the point is among the best on any Hood trail that doesn't require a rope and crampons. Getting there takes work: 8.6 miles round trip with 2,500 feet of elevation gain, the bulk of it concentrated in the upper half of the climb.
What makes McNeil Point distinct from other high-altitude destinations on Hood isn't just the view. At the point itself stands a stone shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934, a low, four-walled structure fitted into the ridge so neatly it looks like it grew there. It's a very different experience from the well-traveled Mirror Lake trail just 10 miles east on US-26, which attracts far more foot traffic for a considerably easier payoff. It's not a luxury accommodation, but it can sleep four to six people in an emergency and has stood through 90-plus years of Hood winters. It's a landmark worth visiting on its own terms.
The northwest approach via the Top Spur Trailhead also keeps you away from the Timberline Lodge crowds. On a summer weekend, the south and west approaches near the lodge are busy from before dawn. McNeil Point, by comparison, sees a fraction of that traffic. The trailhead lot is small and fills on peak weekends, but the trail itself never feels overrun.
The Route
Top Spur Trailhead to Timberline Trail Junction (2.2 miles, 700 feet gain)
The hike begins at the Top Spur Trailhead on Forest Road 1828, at about 3,900 feet elevation. The first 2.2 miles follow the Top Spur Trail (#785) through a mix of second-growth and old-growth forest. The grade here is manageable: steady, but with no single steep section that demands your full attention. The forest is dense and quiet, with little of the dramatic scenery that comes later, but that's fine. Think of it as the warm-up.
At about 1.5 miles, the trail passes through an open ridge with the first partial views of Mount Hood to the east. This is a good reality check: the summit is still a long way up, and the glaciers on the northwest face are already clearly visible. At 2.2 miles, the Top Spur Trail intersects the Timberline Trail (#600). Turn right (east) onto the Timberline Trail.
Timberline Trail to McGee Creek (2.2 to 3.5 miles, 700 feet gain)
The Timberline Trail here traverses a series of ridge spurs and creek drainages, climbing steadily through forest that gradually opens into subalpine terrain. The trail crosses McGee Creek at about 3.5 miles, typically a manageable ford or rock-hop by midsummer. In early July, this crossing may involve cold water at knee depth.
The wildflowers in this section peak in late July and early August: lupine, paintbrush, penstemon, and patches of beargrass in the more open areas. On a clear day, the views west and north open up as the forest thins, and you start to get a sense of the scale of the mountain's northwest face.
McGee Creek to McNeil Point (3.5 to 4.3 miles, 1,100 feet gain)
This is the hard part. The trail climbs 1,100 feet in just under a mile, switchbacking up rocky terrain through the last of the subalpine trees and out into open meadows. The grade is sustained and steep. Take your time. The views improve with every hundred feet of elevation, which is useful motivation.
At about 4 miles, the trail enters the high meadows below the point. The landscape shifts: alpine grasses, scattered rock outcrops, heather, and distant glaciers. On a clear day, Mount Jefferson appears to the south. The sandy, rocky summit pyramid of Mount Hood dominates the view to the east and north.
McNeil Point itself is the broad ridge end at 4.3 miles. The stone shelter sits at the far end of the point, tucked slightly below the ridgeline to offer some protection from the northwest winds that rake this area. Walk past the shelter to the point's edge for the full view: Sandy Glacier sweeping down the northwest face, Reid Glacier below it, the dark volcanic rock of the summit pyramid above.
Permit Requirements
No wilderness permit is required for day hiking to McNeil Point. However, a Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the Top Spur Trailhead. A day pass costs $5 and can be purchased at the Zigzag Ranger Station or online at recreation.gov. The Interagency Annual Pass ($80) and the Northwest Forest Pass annual ($30) both cover the fee.
If you're camping overnight, the Mount Hood Wilderness requires a free self-issue permit available at the trailhead kiosk. Camping is allowed at McNeil Point, but the area near the shelter receives heavy use and shows it. Set up at least 200 feet from the shelter and the main trail. Camp on durable surfaces only.
When to Hike
July through September is the only practical window for most hikers. Snow covers the upper trail well into June, and the high meadows can have significant snow patches into early July in heavy snow years. Mid-July through August is the prime window: the trail is snow-free, the wildflowers are out, and the views are at their best on the frequent clear days that follow summer high-pressure ridges.
September is excellent. The crowds drop, the air is cool, and the meadows take on autumn color. Come prepared for cold temperatures at the point: even on warm valley days, the ridge at 6,100 feet can be in the 40s or low 50s with a west wind blowing. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in summer, particularly in early August. Start early enough to reach the point by noon and have time to descend before weather moves in.
What to Bring
This is a serious day hike. Carry at least 3 liters of water. Streams along the route (McGee Creek and several smaller drainages) provide filtering opportunities, but carry a filter and treat all backcountry water sources. There is no reliable water at McNeil Point itself.
Bring warm layers. A fleece or light down jacket, a wind shell, and gloves are worth carrying even on warm summer days. The ridge at the point is exposed and often windy. If you're starting the hike in summer heat, it's easy to underdress for the conditions at the top.
Trekking poles are highly recommended for the steep descent from the point. The switchbacks are steep enough that knees will feel it on the way down, particularly after a long day. Leave No Trace practices matter especially in the high meadows near the point, where foot traffic off the established trail degrades fragile alpine vegetation quickly: see the Leave No Trace 7 Principles for specifics on traveling in and camping near sensitive alpine zones.
Sunscreen and sunglasses matter above treeline. The reflection off the snow and rock amplifies UV exposure significantly.
Dogs are allowed on leash. The upper trail requires sure-footedness on steep, loose terrain, and dogs should be physically capable of the elevation. The rock sections near the point are rough on paws.
Trailhead Access
The Top Spur Trailhead is reached via Lolo Pass Road from Highway 26. From Portland, take US-26 East to Zigzag, then turn left (north) onto Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). Follow Lolo Pass Road for approximately 10 miles to the signed turn for Forest Road 1828. Turn right on FR 1828 and follow it about 0.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot.
The road to the trailhead is paved for most of its length but narrows significantly on FR 1828. Drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic. The parking lot holds roughly 15 vehicles. On summer weekends it can fill by 8 AM. If the lot is full, do not park on the road shoulder in a way that blocks access. The Ramona Falls Trailhead is nearby on the same road and sees similar overflow. For east-side Hood hiking with less competition for trailhead parking, consider Elk Meadows via FR-3531 near Hood River, which offers subalpine meadows and Eliot Glacier views at a more accessible difficulty level.
From Hood River, take Highway 35 South to US-26 West, then follow the Zigzag turnoff as above. This route takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The nearest services are in Zigzag, about 12 miles from the trailhead: a gas station and a small market. Sandy, 20 miles west on US-26, has full grocery and dining options. Government Camp, 15 miles east, has a general store and restaurants.