McNeil Point to Wy’east Basin Loop
$85 | LABOR DAY| Sept 1st| Men & Women
“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.”
Schedule
Depart RiSe at 5am
Arrive trailhead by 6:40am
Start hike by 7am
Plan on 6+ hours hike time
Post hike lunch at Wraptitude in Welches, Oregon
Home around 4pm
Route
Route Overview: McNeil Point → Ho Rock Scramble
1. Approach via Top Spur Trailhead
We begin at the Top Spur Trailhead, ascending through forested terrain on the Timberline Trail. As we climb steadily toward Bald Mountain, open meadows begin to appear
This leg spans approximately 3 to 3.5 miles with around 1,700 feet of elevation gain, leading toward the tarns just below McNeil Point
2. McNeil Point Shelter
From the tarns, a climbers’ trail (scramble route) briefly diverges from the maintained Timberline Trail toward McNeil Point Shelter—a rustic stone structure offers refuge and panoramic views
From the shelter, the scramble to Ho Rock launches— climbing approximately 900 to 1,000 feet over 0.6 to 0.75 miles, gaining steeply in rugged terrain
The route often requires using both hands to navigate loose rock, scree, and exposed sections. And remember what goes up must come down!
The crest of Cathedral Ridge (Ho Rock area) rewards us with an almost face‑to‑face view of Mt. Hood and sweeping alpine panoramas
3. Wy’east Basin
After descending from the scramble, we start our loop traversing through beautiful meadows and hopping over a few streams
We will veer off the McNeil Point Loop at mile 5.7 and continue along the Timberline Trail for another 1.5 miles
There is one easy-to-navigate river crossing we forge before gaining more elevation towards the white bark trees and wildflowers that spread across the Wy’east basin, creating almost an Alice in Wonderland Landscape!
This will be an out and back section and take us to appx mile 7. Once we turn around the majority of the route will be 5 miles of elevation loss
4. Conditions & Considerations
Hike Details
12 miles/4,000 elevation
Criteria
Anyone who has hiked Dog Mt in 1:30 is welcome!
This climb has two technical sections with loose rock scramble. Perfect for those training to climb Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments!
This scramble section is rated “difficult”. The remainder of the hike would be considered more “moderate” by me :)
Included
Gear Checklist
Guided Hike
Help arranging car-pooling
Not Included
Transportation (car pooling is encouraged)
Lunch afterward in Welches, Oregon…….See menu link below.