Elk Cove to McNeil Point

We escaped the city last weekend for a brief but beautiful trip on Mt. Hood's Timberline Trail. Knowing that it's August and the crowds are out around this popular trail, we hiked in from a less frequented  trailhead near Lawrence Lake out of Parkdale (Hood River area).

The hike in was not too scenic, and there wasn't much break from the climbing. Inspiration Point , at around 3 miles, is the first real view of the magnificent mountain and the trail's destination.

At five miles, we arrived at the intersection with the Timerline Trail, along the spectacular Elk Cove meadow. While we saw only two hikers on the way up, Elk Crove was crawling with hikers who were arriving from various directions - around the Timberline Trail from the west and from Cooper Spur a bit further east.

After chatting with a few folks, we realized there was a bit of an "every man for himself" attitude about getting a good spot to camp. We ended up with a lovely spot just around the edge of the trees looking up at the summit's glaciers. It was a warm evening and we took a short walk in the dark and enjoyed feeling the microclimates around the meadows areas. We slept well (still adjusting to the new tent ), including waking late in the nite to the sound of a nearby owl.

We woke early the next morning, and set out on the Timberline Trail towards McNeil Point, a beautiful overlook with an old stone shelter. The morning was cool and clear as we dipped in and out of the trees along the trail.

The three or so miles to McNeil Point involves several wider stream crossings, both of which were easily passable, but were considerably louder and bigger on our way back to Elk Cove later that afternoon. At the Ladd Creek  crossing, Elka and I sat very still while Jeff took a photo of an inquisitive marmot  sunning itself along a boulder dam. McNeil Point overlooks the Muddy Fork  area of Mt Hood, the most lush and fertile area of the mountain. The green ridges of the Cascades roll out for miles and miles as far as the eye can see.

After a brief lunch at the point, we headed back to Elk Cove to pack up and head back down the trail.  Motivated by the thought of a beer and pizza back in Hood River, we sped down the five miles back to the car - tired, dusty, and happy.

Check out all the pictures HERE!