Bald Mountain Ridge via McGee Creek Hike
Exploring the McGee Creek Trail for the first time on the way to the tarns below McNeil Point, a favorite spot along the Timberline Trail.
distance: 8 miles (out and back)
elevation gain: 2,000 ft.
difficulty: moderate
drive time from Portland: 1 hour 30 minutes
trailhead: McGee Creek
parking pass: none
I’d never hiked the McGee Creek Trail before, so I decided to give it a try for a change from my usual starting point at Top Spur. To reach the McGee Creek trailhead, turn right on a rough gravel road at Lolo Pass. It’s only another 1.5 miles, but there are so many potholes across the road in sections of it that you have to go in and out of them. Then once you turn onto to the last section to the trailhead, the road is rockier with ruts. Regardless, I made it fine in a Honda CR-V. Parking at the trailhead is limited, but there was only one other car when we arrived around 10:00am on Saturday. Starting here instead of Top Spur adds about a mile each way and around 400 feet of elevation gain.
It’s definitely less traveled, with some overgrown sections and quite a few blowdowns, but the quiet start to this hike was a nice change. There were also plenty of rhododendrons along the way, which would be especially nice when they’re in bloom. Otherwise, though, there aren’t any views or other particularly special features along this section to make up for the extra mileage and elevation gain.
Once we turned onto the Timberline Trail, we went through a section that was heavily damaged by a windstorm in September 2020. The tops of many of the trees were broken off, leaving a striking reminder of the storm’s impact on the forest.
After that, we started seeing more hikers out enjoying the beautiful day. We stopped for a short break at one of the open sections along the ridge, where Mount Hood looked glorious.
I love the hike along Bald Mountain Ridge. Although most of the trail is through forest on a steep hillside, there are several outstanding openings along the side of the ridge with beautiful views of Mount Hood.
After the open ridge viewpoints, we crossed McGee Creek, where mossy rocks came down the slope alongside the trail.
We still had some uphill to get through before reaching the small tarns below McNeil Point. As we got higher, the wildflowers really started putting on a show, with paintbrush, lupine, valerian and plenty of others blooming along the trail.
My friend had never been to this part of Mount Hood before, so I was excited to show her how special it is. There are also several upper sections with views looking out toward the ridges of the Cascade foothills.
We reached the tarns, and the first one barely had any water left. The second was still full, with bright green grass growing around it. We walked to the far side of the tarn and found a spot to sit and enjoy our lunch. Mount Hood kept moving in and out of the clouds, which was fun to watch while we relaxed.
After a long break, we headed back the same way to the trailhead. This time, when we reached the ridge viewpoints of Mount Hood, it was hiding in the clouds.
The open ridge section is one of my favorite parts of this hike, and I enjoy it just as much on the way back. Beargrass is one of my favorite wildflowers, so I was happy to see a few stands of it blooming along the ridge. It’s not actually a grass — it’s a member of the lily family.
The next time, I plan to go all the way to McNeil Point Shelter. For that hike, I’ll start at Top Spur and skip the McGee Creek Trail. It adds extra mileage and elevation gain, and given the rough road and condition of the trail, I don’t think the McGee Creek route is worth the extra effort for me.