McNeil Point

McNeil Point

McNeil Point

Easy (around Bald Mountain)

2.2-mile loop

400 feet elevation gain

Open June to early November


Moderate (to ponds below McNeil Point)

6.8 miles round trip

Open mid-July through October

1640 feet elevation gain


Difficult (to McNeil Point shelter)

9.6 miles round trip

2220 feet elevation gain

Wildflowers, tumbling brooks, and craggy mountain vistas lend alpine splendor to this ridge on Mt. Hood’s northwest shoulder. An easy loop circles Bald Mountain to a picture-postcard view of Mt. Hood. But for real alpine drama, climb the Timberline Trail to a pond reflecting massive McNeil Point—or better yet, continue up a new route to McNeil Point itself, where you’ll find a stone shelter on a ridge.

Turn north off Highway …

This chapter taken from the book 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington.