11 miles of hiking • 3500' elevation gain •
This was originally supposed to be a McNeil Point > Cairn Basin > Barrett Spur hike, but we improvised. Got to Top Spur at 9:30am and the parking lot was totally packed. Went out to McNeil Point shelter, and then up the ridge to the rocky summit at around 6900 ft (NWHiker calls this McNeil Peak). The plan was to backtrack back to the Timberline Trail, follow it to Cairn Basin, and then on to Barrett Spur, but the PH Field Guide map showed a "trail" going from partway down the McNeil trail and cutting across onto the side of Barrett Spur. We veered off on the obvious side trail at the sign back on the lower part of the McNeil trail's lower ridge and crossed the Glisan Glacier's river onto a meadowy area where we started going cross country. After that, it seemed we were going to have to cross another large ravine and river that looked kinda sketchy, and then head uphill off trail, without knowing quite what lay ahead of us, and with our retreat options reduced. At this point it was past 2pm and it seemed kinda foolish to go off adventuring quite so late in the day, so we deduced that we were above Cairn Basin and headed that way. En route I trotted down a large snow bank, and around the moment I realized I was hearing running water below me, my left foot punched through a thin snow bridge, the left side gave way, and I thought I was going to fall through, but somehow didn't (probably would have sprained/broken something!). After that excitement, we relaxed in Cairn Basin and then took the Timberline trail back to the car. I don't have a GPS, so trip stats are estimated.
Comments
Chris
August 29, 2011
The number of people in this area is astounding. I've decided I'm staying on the east side of Hood from now on. (At least until November).
jon
August 29, 2011
Great photos Bosterson. . . and despite the snobby top comment, this looks like a lot of fun.
Jon, I guess you did not realize Bosterson invited me on a 40+mile 10,500' Elevation gain hike that I had to decline because of an toe injury, so, it was not a snooby comment it was a fact that compared to what was planned it really was a recliner hike. I guess I did not realize it seemed snooby, so, Bosterson I'm sorry if it seemed that way as it was not the intention! I really would like to hook up and do a loony hike with you and a few other Loonies.
jon
August 29, 2011
Ah, I see. I initially read your comment as disparaging the hike, based merely on its statistics. I didn't realize that this was intended more as an inside joke. Sorry about that.
I see how it could be taken that way..some Jack wagon making a comment ripping on someones good intention hike. I hope Bosterson did not think the same thing :) Sorry Trail Friend
[deleted user]
August 29, 2011
What?? You had to settle for a recliner hike, only to try and snap your leg ? I'm guessing you scared everyone off with the Loony invite hike? I wish you were doing the 360 with us!