Mcneil Point

Date hiked: 7/22/19

I don't usually hike back-to-back days, but two busy weeks at work had me itching to get outside. So Red and I set off Monday morning to take on Mcneil Point--a 10 mile (2,200' gain) spectacular trek near Mt. Hood. Top Spur Trailhead is roughly 1.5 hours from town via US-26 east to Lolo Pass Road, followed by several miles on a narrow, gravel road. This trailhead provides quick access to the Timberline Trail, making it busier than neighboring McGee Creek Trailhead. I left the car at 9:15am, following the heavily used Top Spur Trail through handsome, old-growth forest.

 
 

After one half mile, a right turn on the Pacific Crest Trail leads to a four-way junction. Staying left on the Timberline Trail is the most direct route to McNeil Point, but a more scenic option is to go straight on the other leg of the Timberline Trail. This way only adds 0.6 miles and includes a stellar traverse around Bald Mountain. The Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushes down from Mt. Hood, more than 2,000' below. Summer wildflowers and butterflies--a common theme from my past few hikes--made the scenery that much more magical. Such a high.

 



 

Re-entering a wooded area, I took a cut-off trail on the left that joins the other fork of the Timberline Trail. The forested route continues up the spine of an increasingly narrow ridge, and at mile 2.5, two steep meadows offer even better views of the mountain. McNeil Point is the bluff straight ahead.

 

Crowds thin out as the trail loses a bit of elevation, then climbs more steeply. After a few switchbacks (mile 3.3), there is a faint path that leads to a steep shortcut up the face of McNeil Point; I made note of this scramble, but opted out this time around. After more switchbacks, the main route crosses several streams and small waterfalls before leveling out in open country, with lush meadows and stands of ancient mountain hemlock. Next up is to pass a large boulder slope below McNeil Point and a pair of picturesque tarns. 

 

 

From here, the path climbs to a junction with the Mazama Trail and crosses a seasonal stream flowing down an alpine valley. Morning clouds gave way to a gorgeous day.

The McNeil Point Trail winds through a stunted forest of mountain hemlock and fir, and begins to follow a low ridge with fantastic views of the mountain and outflow from Glisan Glacier.

  
  

From the saddle at mile 4.5, the trail crosses a scree slope that can have snow late into summer, then curves above a picturesque valley. Cross McGee Creek and another scree slope before traversing up to McNeil Ridge.

  

 

At the broad table of McNeil Point, a lower path immediately leads to a historic stone shelter at mile 5 (5,900'). Views abound from this airy spot, extending to Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and Lost Lake far below.







The graceful pyramid of Mt. Hood towers above. A route continuing further up the ridge was bookmarked for future endeavors.





After basking in the rewarding vista, I returned to the trailhead by 2:15pm (5 hours RT). This was without doubt one of my all-time favorite hikes. My biggest advice is not to rush; give yourself the entire day to enjoy the beauty of the trail from start to finish. I would also be interested to backpack some of the longer trails in the area, taking advantage of the many campsites. Another home run!

 
 

      

Silver Star Mountain

Date hiked: 7/21/19

Tom and I originally wanted to spend Sunday kite boarding in Hood River, but less than ideal wind conditions had us resort to our back-up plan (courtesy of Aunt Judy). Silver Star Mountain has one of the best 360-degree summits close to Portland, with an exposed viewpoint of five major cascade volcanoes. The Grouse Vista Trailhead is located in Washington, just over an hour's drive northeast of town. Of the extensive trail network in the Silver Star Scenic Area, the Grouse Vista route from the south is slightly longer with more elevation gain than the northern approach, but the road to the trailhead is easier. This 6.8-mile out-and-back trek (gain 2,040') also has more diverse terrain and keeps most of the panoramic vistas from the summit under wraps until the final approach.

The hike can essentially be divided into three separate, one-mile stretches. The first leg climbs through a forested rocky section with no switchbacks.

The path eventually levels out and opens up to reveal views of Vancouver to the west and Larch Mountain to the south. The massive meadow is a colorful field of wildflowers this time of year. In the fall, it's filled with ripe huckleberries. The path follows the ridge line for the next mile, passing two unique geologic formations, Pyramid Rock and Sturgeon Rock.



  



The trail then dips back into the forest as it starts taking on elevation again. The final mile is very steep and rocky, and passes a few junctions including the approach from the north side. At last, the route suddenly opens up to a saddle with a dual-summit. Killer views extend to Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood. A clear day even affords a glimpse of Mt. Jefferson to the distant south.

Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainer, Mt. Adams

 

Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson

 

Tom and I hit the trail at 10am, returning by 1:30pm (3.5 hours RT). We lucked out with beautiful weather and minimal crowds. This hike is quick but strenuous and rocky, with a huge payoff at the end. Would repeat next year for the flowers!

Our new favorite place for fresh and unique flavors is the Hawthorne Asylum, a sprawling food cart pod with everything from vegan Egyptian to Southern-meets-South-African. I'm also a new fan of nearby Roof Deck Bar at Revolution Hall--a rarity on the east side. Across the street, West Coast Grocery Co. (#27) has an interesting history and a great food and drink menu.