Mount Washington

Every summer Fiona and I would pick something to hike around the 4th of July holiday. We have hiked many mountains, but she had never hiked Mount Washington.

I have hiked to the summit several times, and been denied a few as well. Although it is not an exceptionally tall peak, it is the tallest in the Northeastern U.S., and has a reputation for having the worst weather.

Fiona had brought up the idea of hiking it the year before, but weather had cancelled the hike. This year the opportunity looked more promising. We settled on a weekend at the end of June, but a last minute out of town work assignment for me forced us to change to a Friday. Fighting rush hour traffic through Massachussetts and New Hampshire cities, we arrived at a New Hampshire state park the night before, just after sunset. Using headlamps, we hastily erected a tarp and sleeping arrangements. Fiona used her one person bivy, and I hung a hammock. We were quickly asleep after the long drive.

It’s All About The Weather

Although Mount Washington is only 6200 feet, it’s erratic weather can mean strong winds, terrific thunderstorms and even snow in the month of July. A significant portion of the hike would take place well above treeline, where we would be exposed to the weather. Our forecast called for overcast skies and temperatures in the 60F degree range. Rain was expected late in the evening. The weather looked ideal. Even with good weather forecast, we carried rain/wind gear, hats and the ten essentials including medical kits, matches and headlamps, food and water filters, emergency shelter and Mylar blanket, as well as extra layers of clothing.

Good Morning

Awake at 5:00am, we were greeted by chilly temperatures. Temps were slightly below 50F when we broke camp.

After a quick breakfast, we drove to the trailhead. We had decided to take the quickest and most direct route to the summit, the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Rather that start at the USFS trailhead, we parked just down the road at the Cog Railway, and began our hike just behind the station.

The “Ammo” follows the river for a while. It’s a peaceful hike through the woods, a mix of stone and dirt underfoot.

We reached a small cascade filling a pool. I remembered this quite well from previous hikes. I told Fiona, “now we go up.”

The trail climbs relentlessly from here, boulders forming a set of steps that climb the mountain for a mile. We passed a few hikers, some resting or eating breakfast along the way.

We began to reach the treeline, and and soon were in the open, just below Lake of the Clouds Hut.

The AMC hut is a welcome place to refill water, and use the restroom or grab a snack. A lemonade is just a buck, and I am a member in support of their efforts lobbying on the behalf of the outdoors.

Fiona and I continued towards the summit. She enjoyed seeing the lakes, which I’ve always found to be the best part of the hike.

Now we were climbing again, towards the top. The weather was fantastic. It was my most enjoyable hike of this mountain in more than a decade of climbing it. The wind kicked up for a bit between the summit and it’s neighbor Mount Munroe, so I slipped on a layer.

On the trail to Mount Washington, behind me is Mount Monroe. On my left shoulder, The AMC’s Lake of The Clouds Hut.

After hiking the final steeps to the summit, we took the obligatory photo with the summit signage, and then to the cafeteria for “summit pizza” a tradition for me every time I reach the top of Washington.

We chose to loop hike down Washington towards Mount Clay along the Gulfside Trail. The views of the Great Gulf are breathtaking.

I was glad to be off the summit. The Cog Railway trains were bringing the tourists to the top, and soon it would be mobbed.

After another mile of rock hopping across the ridge, we descended the Jewell Trail to the Cog Station. I prefer coming down the Jewell, it’s a less steep option and easier on the knees. Under tree cover, it’s a fine walk out.

It’s important to note that hiking this mountain is advisable when the weather is good, and that you are well prepared and provisioned. This is not a beginner hike. Should something go wrong or weather take a turn for the worse, help is not a phone call away. Stay safe and turn back when in doubt. Many have paid for their bad judgement with their lives.