2.2 hr
Overview
Cairn Basin is one of the few spots where an original Timberline Trail stone shelter still stands. The basin is filled with wildflowers in July and August, and nearby Eden Park can easily be combined with this destination. This hike also visits the spectacular slopes of Bald Mountain, glacial streams, alpine meadows and a pair of scenic tarns below McNeil Point, so there is something for everyone. If you have a lot of energy, you can even add McNeil Point (and another 1.6 miles and several hundred feet of additional elevation gain) to the itinerary. From the Top Spur Trailhead, follow the heavily used Top Spur trail through handsome, old-growth noble fir forest for one half mile before joining the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000). Turn right, and immediately arrive at a junction of four trails. The trail to the right is the continuation of the Pacific Crest Trail, and the routes to the left and straight ahead are the Timberline Trail (no. 600). While you could go left on the Timberline Trail to reach Cairn Basin (which would save about 0.6 mile), a much more scenic option is to go straight on the other leg of the Timberline Trail for a spectacular traverse around Bald Mountain. Following this option, pass the wilderness registration sign, and continue through dense forest. About 150 yards from the main junction, you'll notice the unsigned trail that leads to the top of Bald Mountain. Then you'll abruptly reach the steep meadows of Bald Mountain's south-facing slopes. The Muddy Fork of the Sandy River rushes down from the mountain more than 2,000 feet below. Continue around Bald Mountain, and enjoy more stunning views until you enter a wooded area. Watch for an obvious cut-off trail on the left, marked with a fairly new sign, that climbs a low saddle and quickly joins the other fork of the Timberline Trail. If you miss this informal route, you will reach a log stile after a short distance - so backtrack from here to find the use path. Stop where the shortcut reaches the northern junction with the Timberline Tra
Trail Stats
0.0 km
670 m
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TopSpurCairnBasinMap.jpg
TopSpurCairnBasinMap.jpg
300px-EdenParkFromAbove
300px-EdenParkFromAbove
300px-CairnBasin
300px-CairnBasin
300px-GentianMountain
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300px-Tiger_lilies%2C_McNeil_Ridge
300px-Tiger_lilies%2C_McNeil_Ridge
400px-HoodMcNeilTarns
400px-HoodMcNeilTarns