Start at the Top Spur trailhead off FR Road 1828 and climb the 1/2 mile to the junction. At the junction, take the Timberline Trail in the Ramona Falls direction (counter clockwise) which brings you around Bald Mountain and facing the Sandy glacier. In no time at all you are treated to fields of wildflowers and spectacular views. Continue until you renter the woods and have left all the scenic vistas behind.
The ridge to your left should begin to level off and you'll spot an unmarked trail on the left which leads a hundred yards or so up the now far less imposing ridge. This user trail will connect you with the Timberline going toward McNeil and Cairn Basin (going clockwise). Follow the Timberline (trail 600) along the Bald Mountain ridge stopping for a break where the trail opens for more great views of the Sandy Glacier and McNeil Point. Continue hiking and you then descend a little, and then climb a little more steeply. The trail veers right and starts a few switchbacks.
After the last switchback, the trail takes a direct route north. Before you come to the first stream, look for a small user trail on the right as you are about to pass below McNeil Point. This user trail leads to a scramble up to the stone shelter. In .4 mile, you're there! Climb up from the shelter for even more spectacular views. (The trail continues almost as high as you'd want to go.)
Return via the normal route up, crossing flower-covered meadows and a talus slope until you reach a ridge above McGee Creek, with views of St. Helens and on a good day, Rainier.
On the return hike you pass two beautiful ponds and several enchanting little streams. This hike has it all! Ponds, streams, flowers, views, a fun scramble, more views, it just doesn't stop.
Spectacular views from the Bald Mountain trail
Heading up the scrabmle trail, a.ka.a the "goat trail"
Great views on the scramble trail!
Some parts you might be using hands and feet
One last little push and there's the stone shelter
The trail continues up from the stone shelter
Great views to the south of Yocum Ridge
And of the mountain above!
Looking west
And down the Sandy
Mt St. Helens
Mt Adams
Flowers everywhere!!!
And a few campsites like this one - all above the shelter
More flowers ... too many to count
Beautiful ponds on the return trip
And a waterfall
Flowers along the trail
Shadows across Yocum Ridge
And one more shot of the mountain in the evening light
