Mount Washington - Member Hike
| Hike Name: | Mount Washington |
|---|---|
| Country: | United States |
| State: | New Hampshire |
| Nearby Town: | Whitefield |
| Rating: |  |
| Directions: | •Follow Route 302E for five miles to Bretton Woods, NH. •Turn left at Fabyan's Station Restaurant onto the Base Road. •Continue six miles on Base Road to the Cog Base Station. |
| Total Hike Distance: | 15.00 miles |
| Hike Difficulty: | Very Difficult |
| Permit Required: | No |
| Hike Type: | One-Way, Shuttle Hike |
| Hike Starts: | Trailhead for the Jewell Trail, Base Rd |
| Hike Ends: | The AMC Highland Center, Rt 302 |
| Trails Used: | Jewell, Gulfside, Crawford Path, (AT) |
| Backcountry Campsites: | No |
| Backcountry Water Sources: | Streams |
| Management: | National Park Service |
| Contact Information: | http://www.outdoors.org |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Users: | Hikers, Dogs |
| Road Conditions: | Secondary Paved Roads |
| Hike Summary: | The hike started out from the parkinglot on Base Rd, there are a couple of trails that leave from here. A parking permit is required and you can get it on line or at the lot, bring small bills. We used the Jewell Trail that has been described as popular because of its ease. It is a nice trail however there are few blazes which became an issue at one intersection, don't follow the Cog Trail. The trail consistently climbs and is quite an aerobic workout with an occasional view because of the trees. At approximately 4600 feet we came up out of the forest into the alpine zone, incredible. Can only describe it as my hiking zenith. In the alpine zone the trail turned to rock, with cairns marking the way. Lunch was eaten with the best view. We continued up to MW watching the cog come and go, off in the distance the Lake of the Clouds Hut was visible. The view just kept getting better, we had a perfect day. On top the winds hit 30+ and the temp around 50, so lucky. After a rest and snack we headed down the trail to the Lake of the Clouds Hut, another 2 miles. We arrived were given our bunks and sat down to a nice family style dinner. The room and board were perfect, the dining room had a three window view of the valley, incredible. Not a better place to be. After a nice sleep and breakfast we headed down the trail, another 7 or so miles. We took the Crawford Trail, the oldest continuosly used trail in the country. The trail was rocky for the length but passable. It crossed several peaks and in all we bagged 5 4000ers. Preperation is the key, we left on August 12 and packed for 3 seasons, none of them summer. The Whites are very unpredictable, ya better have it. Our packs really weren't that heavy and we carried water bladders and 2 32 oz bottles, it was plenty. I wore mid height boots and they saved a rolled ankle ot two. Hiking poles a must, in my opinion. |
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