McNeil Point Trail

McNeil Point Trail - one of Mt. Hoods Most Rewarding Hikes

McNeil point is hands down my favorite hike in the PNW area (so far). It's close to home and it has stunning views of Mt Hoods north side the whole way. It’s the type of hike that has big mountain energy without requiring any technical experience.

The hike is about 9–11 miles round trip with roughly 2,200–2,600 feet of elevation gain, making it a solid challenge but one that feels earned every step of the way. As you climb higher, Mount Hood dominates the skyline, growing larger and more dramatic with every turn. In late summer, wildflowers blanket the meadows, and on clear days you can see far across the Cascades.

The trail ends near the historic McNeil Point Shelter, perched just below Cathedral Ridge, one of the most striking rocky features on the mountain. There’s something surreal about it, as if a dinosaur’s spine is slowly emerging from the mountainside.

McNeil is best hiked from late July through early October, and is only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Portland, making it an ideal long day hike for anyone craving alpine scenery and terrain without committing to a summit climb. It’s demanding, beautiful, and unforgettable, the kind of trail that reminds you why you lace up your boots in the first place.

Quick points

• 9-11 miles depending on the route

• Out and back trail, you can make however long or short you'd like!

  • can create a loop if going on the climbers route on the way up to McNeil point shelter

• 2,200-2600ft of elevation gain depending on the route

• 1 hour and 15minute drive from Portland

• Best time to hike is July-October

• The road to trail head turns gravel at some point. It's a long, windy road but any clearance vehicle should do

  
  

Cathedral Ridge , Mt. Hood, OR. 9/6/25

Above McNeil Point Shelter

As always, explore responsibly: respect wildlife, protect the land, and leave no trace—so the beauty we experience today remains for the adventurers of tomorrow.