"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
We've had an amazingly beautiful, dry, sunny early October here in Oregon. I skipped work on the 15th and day hiked the Top Spur trail and took the spur trail directly up the nose of McNeil Point.
As you hike the Top Spur trail, after an hour or more you'll come to a large, steep clearing with a tremendous view of Mt. Hood. About 20-30 minutes past this you'll see McNeil Point off to your right and an unmarked trail leading off toward the point.
The trail follows a low ridge, uphill, then runs into a steep, loose, rocky partial scramble up to the top of McNeil Point. This probably isn't for everyone, and if you're backpacking be advised that the last part does have loose footing and is steep.
Once you're on the point you'll see the old rock shelter. You can follow this ridge farther for great views of Sandy and other glaciers. From the shelter, to the left, a trail runs up and along the north rim of the ridge. Then this trail drops down through a tilted basin that holds a nice stream.
Cross this stream, then you'll come to a rockfall that is covered with snow most of the year. Below this is Cairn Basin which is a riot of wildflowers in early August. It's also VERY popular. But you can follow this trail down to where it meets the old Cathedral Ridge trail (that the Mazama's, never lacking in ego, renamed for themselves). Take the left trail and this will loop back to the spur trail that you took to get up to McNeil Point.
This is very worth the effort.
There are photos of it at my web site, linked on the Cool Trails "Bearings" page.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.