Even though the first half mile of this trail is the same for the McNeil Point hike, I include this option as a viable choice for those with young children or the elderly.

This hike begins at the Top Spur cutoff Trail #765. After a half mile climb you intersect the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. Follow this trail for a couple hundred feet to the right where you come to a major intersection of four (4) trail options. Select the trail to the left of the wilderness sign in booth, which is Timberline Trail #600, the Muddy Fork trail. Follow this trail for about another half mile and you will come to a popular viewpoint of the Sandy Glacier on Mt Hood with the Muddy Fork river valley below.

In season this little hike not only offers one of the most incredible views of Mt. Hood, but the surrounding hillside, which is the base of Mt. Baldy, is covered with outrageous wildflowers. I recommend that you do this hike in the afternoon, so the sun will be at your back, giving you the best lighting for a world class photo of a world class mountain.

Take the Lolo Pass Road (Road 18) out of Zig Zag for about 4 miles. Bear right on Road 1825. In about another mile, bear to the left and do NOT cross the bridge over the Sandy River. Follow Road 1828 about 6.5 miles to the junction with Road 118. Bear right on Road 118 and follow it another couple miles to the trailhead. Park head-in on the opposite side of the road from the trail. Vandalism is a problem here... so be aware.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.