Oregon Hikers

Took a trip this past Saturday, 10-26-19 to Top Spur Trailhead and climbed McNeil Point and did the full loop. Weather forecast showed sunny skies leading to the big day but the forecast changed on Friday and showed overcast. I decided to continue with my plan. Microspikes really helped me on the loop portion of this trail. I went left at the loop and down the narrow section from the shelter on the right portion of the loop. As I was descending, a small snowstorm swept through. It was an incredible experience on Mt Hood. Clouds moving in all directions and the visibility was poor for most of the trip, but I was rewarded for my patience! Below are some pics:

Blazersin7 wrote: ↑

October 28th, 2019, 7:43 am

As I was descending, a small snowstorm swept through.

I wondered about that. I was surprised by snow on my Saturday hike, much further south. Timberline didn't report any accumulation, but I'm not surprised to hear Hood got a bit.

Your second pic must be the upper McNeil pond. Not much different than when I was there, maybe two weekends ago. Any day now...

Sure was the Upper pond within the meadow area. The left side of that loop was my favorite part of the hike. The snow was hardpacked with a icy shell. First time using microspikes and they worked great.

Chip Down wrote: ↑

October 28th, 2019, 6:32 pm

Blazersin7 wrote: ↑

October 28th, 2019, 7:43 am

As I was descending, a small snowstorm swept through.

I wondered about that. I was surprised by snow on my Saturday hike, much further south. Timberline didn't report any accumulation, but I'm not surprised to hear Hood got a bit.

I was hiking on Vista Ridge on Sunday and observed the remains of a peculiar snow storm. It must have been left from the squall you guys saw. The entire area from below the trail head on up was covered with a dusting of snow that appeared to come from one huge (really huge) gust of wind. Lee sides of obstacles had no snow while elsewhere there was a uniform dust coating. It was just like light shadows only with snow. It was about 30 deg all day long so no snow melted except for sun exposed snow sheltered from wind. Above tree line, the small amount of new snow settled in frozen snow depressions, just enough to keep a boot tread from slipping.

For future travelers during this coming week of nice weather: Bring traction devices for your boots. I could not walk off trail without a whole lot of cartoon like footwork to keep from falling. And crossing Ladd Creek was impossible for me. There was an inch of solid ice on every single rock and I had no appetite for a wet foot crossing at that temperature.

I was on Badger Creek.

White stuff on ground for about 24 hours Saturday nights

It wasn't snow, more like hail or sleet

It was just pretty, didn't hinder camping or hiking. Got down to 27 one night though, inter's coming.