McNeil Tarns and Bald Mtn 13 Feb 2015

Katrina and I arrived at the Top Spur trailhead at 9:30a and we were the first in the lot. We intended to hike up to Bald Mtn and decide where to go next after seeing what the snow situation was.  It was a short little climb to a pretty view of Mt Hood.  Snow didn't look too bad so we decided to hike to the tarns and to circle around Bald Mtn on the way.  It was a great choice.  Such a beautiful day!  We  hiked for a long while before hiking on snow, but when the snow started (around 5000 ft?) it was beautiful!  Made it to the tarns and plopped on the snow for a beautiful view of the snow covered clearing with Mt Hood in the background.
On the way back, the sun came out in earnest and we had beautiful light on the mountain for some parting photo shots.  Four cars in the lot when we left at 2:45p

woods on Bald Mtn

first view of Mt Hood

snow hiking!

lunch view at the tarns

in the summer this is an alpine lake

creek crossings were tricky with deep snow

afternoon light