Mount Hood's Summer Spectacle: Alpine Flower Fields in Full Bloom

Mid-July brings the most vibrant season to Mount Hood's western slopes. At dawn, we trekked through misty forests to reach the ridge, where Mount Hood peeked through the morning haze . After starting the loop trail, a steep climb led us to a breathtaking sea of lupines and white blossoms —a truly magical moment as Yumi (our Shiba Inu) chased bees through this floral wonderland. 🌼 Trail Highlights - Challenging but short steep section —soon rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens. - Western Pasqueflower seed heads (aka "hippie-on-a-stick") dotted the trail—fluffy, whimsical, and utterly charming. - McNeil Point summit : Backpacking campsites abound, and glacial caves are visible on Hood’s face. - The descent : The real floral masterpiece —meadows bursting with Avalanche Lilies (white petals with golden centers), which bloom briefly after snowmelt. A hidden, zen-like waterfall awaits in the woods. 📍 McNeil Point Trail : - Distance : ~18km (longer than AllTrails’ estimate) - Elevation Gain : ~1023m - Dog-friendly : Yumi the Shiba conquered it easily—even played in snow patches! 📌 Tips - Best time : July to early August for peak blooms. - Pack layers : Mornings are chilly, even in summer. - Trailhead parking : NW Forest Pass required. #HiddenGems #AlpineFlowers #MountHood #OregonHikes #SummerHiking #SnowPeaks #DogFriendlyTrails #ShibaAdventures #WildflowerParadise #PNWMagic