How to Get a McNeil Point Permit
A stone shelter on a shoulder of Mount Hood, looking out over the watershed that supplies Portland its drinking water.
Check McNeil Point permit availabilityNo permit fee published for this trail
Permit Cost
1 day
Duration
strenuous
Difficulty
About McNeil Point
McNeil Point is a stone shelter on the northwest side of Mount Hood, reached by a short trail off the Timberline Trail. Mt. Hood National Forest describes the payoff as excellent views of the Bull Run watershed and the surrounding mountains to the north. The Forest Service publishes one persistent warning about it: this is a high-elevation trail that can take a long time to melt out for summer hiking, often through June. It tells hikers to come prepared to run into deep snow drifts here and there, and recommends snowshoes or other snow traction devices until the trail is clear. Access is from the north side of the mountain via Lolo Pass Road. Mt. Hood National Forest publishes no permit requirement on this trail's page. It does state, on its Ramona Falls page, that free self-issued wilderness permits are required in the Mount Hood Wilderness from May 15 to October 15 where they are provided at a portal — so fill one out if there is a box at whichever trailhead you start from, and expect a Recreation Pass requirement at the trailhead as at other Mt. Hood sites.
Mt. Hood National Forest describes McNeil Point Trail as a short hike from the Timberline Trail up to the McNeil Point Shelter, with excellent views of the Bull Run watershed and the surrounding mountains to the north. The shelter is the destination, and the Bull Run is the view you cannot get any other way — the watershed is closed to public entry.
The Experience
High, open, and late-melting. Snow drifts hang on in shaded pockets here long after the rest of the mountain has dried out.
The Forest Service is specific about the shape of this one: the trail begins at the Timberline Trail and ends at McNeil Point. It is the last section of a longer day rather than a standalone trail from a parking lot.
It is also a high-elevation trail that can take a long time to melt out for summer hiking, often through June. The Forest Service tells hikers to come prepared to run into deep snow drifts here and there, and recommends snowshoes or other snow traction devices until it is clear.
Access is from the north side of the mountain: Highway 26 east towards Zigzag, north onto Lolo Pass Road / Forest Road 18 for about four miles, east onto Muddy Fork Road, east onto Forest Road 1825 and north into the McNeil Campground area.
What to Expect
A short trail off the Timberline Trail, not a standalone route from a parking lot
Snow drifts well into the summer — the Forest Service says the melt-out often runs through June
Views over the Bull Run watershed, which is closed to public entry and can only be seen from outside it
A stone shelter at the end
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Permit Requirements
Wilderness restrictions apply in the Mount Hood Wilderness
Mt. Hood National Forest states that free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 when provided at a portal — fill one out if there is a box at your trailhead
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Traction. The Forest Service recommends snowshoes or other snow traction devices until the trail is clear, and the melt-out often runs through June
- •Navigation, because drifted snow hides the tread
- •Layers for a high, exposed shoulder of the mountain
Recommended Gear
- •Trekking poles for drifted snow crossings
- •Gaiters
- •A map of the Timberline Trail, since that is how you get here
Hazards & Safety
Deep snow drifts persisting into summer, which the Forest Service calls out specifically
Steep snow on a high shoulder, where a slip has consequences
Route-finding across drifted terrain before the trail melts out
Weather changing fast at elevation with no shelter but the one at the top
Best Time to Visit
After the melt-out, which the Forest Service says often runs through June. That makes July through September the practical window. Earlier than that and you should be carrying traction and expecting to navigate across snow.
Pro Tips
Do not go before July without traction. The Forest Service says the melt-out often runs through June and recommends snowshoes or traction devices until it is clear
The trail begins at the Timberline Trail, so plan the approach as part of the day rather than an afterthought
Access is from the north side via Lolo Pass Road / Forest Road 18, then Muddy Fork Road and Forest Road 1825
The Bull Run watershed is closed to public entry — McNeil Point is one of the few places you can see into it
Fill out a free self-issued wilderness permit if there is a portal box at your trailhead, May 15 to October 15
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for McNeil Point?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit McNeil Point?
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After the melt-out, which the Forest Service says often runs through June. That makes July through September the practical window. Earlier than that and you should be carrying traction and expecting to navigate across snow.
How difficult is McNeil Point?
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Hikers already committed to a long day on the Timberline Trail who want the best north-side view on the mountain.
What gear do I need for McNeil Point?
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Essential gear includes: Traction. The Forest Service recommends snowshoes or other snow traction devices until the trail is clear, and the melt-out often runs through June, Navigation, because drifted snow hides the tread, Layers for a high, exposed shoulder of the mountain.
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