Anyone on here have any tips for a first time hiker of Mount Washington? My friends and I are planning on hiking Mount Washington the first weekend in November. I know the weather changes up there very quick (it snowed when I went up the Auto Road in August). I'm really looking forward to doing this.

Thank you.

I only did it once, tuckermine ravine to the observatory.
Had my 6 year old daughter on my pack (50 lbs worth), that was fun!

Did it in June, what a great hike.
I am sure someone here can link you some good web sites that have aload of info.
There are a couple of forumns that are a good up to date source of info,
did you start at the observatory web site??

I have the sit bookmarked as I'm always loooking at the webcams. I will def look for some info on there.
Thanks.

Bring an extra shirt or 2, a jacket, extra socks, plenty of food and water...the normal stuff but some extras as well. In Novemeber it is most likely going to be pretty chilly up there! And I am sure they will have some good snow! Have fun!

Are you sure you want to do this in November? One year we started at the Cog, and stayed at the Lake in the Clouds hut. Next day we went to the summit and came back down. Anyway, it snowed. Only 3 or 4 inches though. This was in the begining of September.

I would love to do that hike also.Maybe next summer.We just did Mt Monadnock last Sunday and Mt Major the sunday before.I think Monadnock is my favorite so far.Good luck and take some pics for us.

Try this link it might help.

http://home.earthlink.net/~ellozy/washington.html

Be sure you are VERY WELL EQUIPPED! November on the "Rock Pile" can be DEADLY! :augen41: Yeah, I know you have a cell phone, but it won't save your life when the winds are blowing 60 mph and the temperature is 20 degrees F! If you are not prepaired for it, you can die in less than half an hour in those conditions! :augen41:

Check the weather conditions and check with the observitory for current conditions on the summit before you start your assent. :div20:

Mark :beerchug:

If I remember correctly you need to hike down as well or take the train or get picked up. I hitched one time but that is against the law and another story altogether. two seats is probably more than 100 beans not positive though.

I always thought the hike down was the hardest part, especialy on the rock pile!

unless you are experieced hiking in winter conditions, It would be smart to pick another date, before october and after may would be a better choice, like old viper said it can be VERY deadly :div20:

I'd wait till summer, alot less to carry for a day hike and less dangerous. Back in the late 70's, a group of us made a 2 1/2 day backpacking trip out of it. We parked at the Glen house across the auto road, hiked a feeder trail to the Great Gulf trail. Overnight at Spaulding lake at the bowl. To the summit, down the auto road to Nelson Crag trail, overnight below tree line. Connect back to the auto road to Glen house on the 3rd day. :div20:

Yeah I wasn't sure if I wanted to hike by then. But now hearing from you guys I won't. I guess I can always take a trip up to Pittsburg and hike Magalloway. Been up there on sled and would love to see it without any snow. Thanks for all the advice. I'm actually hiking Pawtucketway State Park this saturday. Should be a good time.

I am not so sure a November hike is so dangerous. If you take the tuckermine trail it is not a very long hike or very difficult.
I do not know your experience level but once at the top you can take the shuttle back down to the base trail at pinkerton. Up is pretty easy, just prepare before you go.
I just came back from an ascent of Mtn Whittier (highest peak in America south of alaska), it is 3 day hike and was fairly technical BUT I prepared and was keenly aware of the weather, PLUS I did it with a buddy.

Prepare and get an early start...

BE PREPARED AND KNOW WHEN TO TURN BACK!!! I work on top and I see a whole lot of people who dont come prepared or dont turn back, and the rangers have to go rescue them.

If we do do I'm going to make sure we're all prepared. I'm going to look around for recommend gear, ect. I can always wait though.

Do you mean Mt. Whitney in California? Thats the highest in the lower 48.

Wow, thats 14,491 ft..... any snow?

The highest I've been was in Vail, Co. at around 11,000 in the summer, no snow.

Here is a link at a person's log w/ pics. in that area of Mount Whitney.... on a 9 day trip.

http://www.tomcentral.com/highsierraweb/index.html

The very same Mtn,
the summit is in california,
but we flew into vegas and drove from there,
There had been snow a couple days before we got there, so there was small patches here and there.
We didn't spend alot of time up top, my buddy only had three days.
Interesting fact about Mtn Whittier, you must poop in bag and take it with you.
AND did I menton the bears??

Mtn WASHINGTON is a great place to hike
I agree with Zrider600 about knowing when to turn around, Poor judgement and late starts are the things that one must never underestimate, other wise hiking in any weather can be a great time. The worse the weather the more I enjoy it, BUT there is a point when you must say: time to go home!

I recommend this book, "don't die on the Mountain", it is written by a NH native Dan Allen, and has made my outdor experience much better. Amazon has it.
I met the author while snowshoeing in pittsburg, he is a great man. :div20:

Some very good advice being offered here by many.


I've hiked up Mt. Washington and many of the other Presidentials many times and for a first timer November could be a risky proposition. You could get lucky with the weather or it might change quickly and then your life may be in danger. Mountains like that deserve respect and aren't a proverbial "walk in the park."

If you go, you can always take Tucks up and at least get to the Hermit Lake Shelters where it opens up. You'll get some great views of the ravine from here. This is a fairly easy but monotonous, hour plus hike that is very safe (in the trees). Be well prepared, do your homework and go with someone with plenty of experience. Don't be afraid to turn back at any time. :div20:

Good luck and we expect some pictures.

Thank you all for the info. We are in no way first time hikers, I've been hiking since I can remember. I know my limits and if we do go we plan on getting an early start 6-7am. This trip also depends if everyone can get time off. Sadly it looks like one person can't. If not this year then next year. I guss we're biking Pawtucketway State Park this weekend instead of hiking it now; should be fun. I'll try to remember to bring my camera.

Please do not take this the wrong way but if you need to ask, you are not equiped to do this. I live 20 min from the cog road and people die there. Winter hikers die there. you may need winter hard shell boots, crampons,gear to dig in and spend the night. and who knows what. they had a rescue last week or so.
http://www.mtwashingtonmisadventure.com/
http://www.mountwashington.com/deaths/index.html

I completely get what you mean. Probably just going to wait.

That link is pretty interesting,
one guy was murdered and a bunch died in 67 in train wreck, I bet that was pretty scary...

Here's another site you may want to visit before your adventure:

Survivng Mount Washington!


Let us know what day you plan to go ahead of time. Several of us will keep our ears glued tightly to Fish & Game's repeater...

Here is a link to a book on the subject of misadventures on the rock pile.

http://www.amazon.com/Not-Without-Peril-Mi...TF8&s=books

Not to minimize the facts about mtn washington but it is a pretty wimpy mtn compared to just about anything out west I have climbed.
Very few experienced hikers have had serious difficulty on Mtn Washington,
I think it's the large number of novice hikers that visit, is why it seems so dangerous.

the elevation change is really not that impressive,
weather can be a factor,
weather is always a hikers biggest concern.
I wouldn't hesitate to hike it in any month, BUT it is soo much easier/safer when the winter is warm!
I would prepare for the conditions I could be faced with and would be prepare to give up "so as to hike another day..."

I think futher put it the best IF you have to ask then your probably not pepared.
Hiking is very rewarding if you are ready for the challenges that may face you.

If you want a nice easy/ enjoyable day hike wait til spring and bring your camera.Thousands of people go up and down that mtn in good months.
Shortfused makes a good point, and F&G is already short cash, they don't need another search and rescue.

Dualmass, just to inform you mt wash is know for the worst weather in the world, its a fact also they have the greatest wind recording on the face of the earth at 231 mph!! thats fast! anyways yall keep doing the snow dance :div20: only 63 days? but whos counting. Happy fall to all

[/quote]Not to minimize the facts about mtn washington but it is a pretty wimpy mtn compared to just about anything out west I have climbed.
Very few experienced hikers have had serious difficulty on Mtn Washington,
I think it's the large number of novice hikers that visit, is why it seems so dangerous.[quote]

*COUGH* flatlander.... :div20:


Just kidding, but that gets alot of "experienced" people in trouble up there.

edit: i messed up with the quote and I still can't get it right

I think the reason for that is because the bigger Mountains don't have weather stations on top of them.

14000 ft is alot more of challenge than 6500 ft, the difference in air density alone makes all the difference.

It was easier to hike tuckermine trail with 50lbs of kid on my back in 1/2 a day than mtn whittier with 20lb pack in 1 1/2 days.
And when the weather turns at 14000 feet you got a long long walk back down.
The mountains out west are beyond description, if you love mtns you need to get out there and hike/ see them.

OVR was in west yellow stone this winter, he saw the difference :banana:

it's funny I am a flatlandr, there is no doubt, actually more likely a "Piney"

and if you mtn men go out west you too would be considered flatlandr's
out there they think a 4000 footer is a medium sized hill...
I know it's hard to understand the differnce in mtn's
I know I didn't until I hiked a couple 11000ft plus peaks. :beerchug:


Mtn washington not only has the worst recorded weather,
it also has the worst snack bar too... :fluffy:

The lack of a weather station is a point that i never thought of...good point. :beer:

I cannot wait for winter!! :fluffy: :fluffy: :fluffy: :fluffy: :fluffy:

Where has Pathfinder been???

Let's not forget that most of the mtns. out west start at 7-8,000 feet and go to 11-12,000 feet, that's 4-5,000 feet of elevation gain.

Mt. Wash starts at 2,000 and gains roughly 4,500 ft. but the altitude (more oxygen) is considerably easier on the lungs.


I'll tell ya what but that snack bar up top is great after you just busted your ass getting up the hill and are starving. :div20:

Hiked Lafayette today just to see snow. 20 degrees on top, 55+mph winds... It was snowing very lightly from 11 till 3, just a dusting. Washington to the east looked to have much more snow.

Here's some pics

I would agree with dualmass the mountains out west are a site to see. Also the air out there does make a difference. A guy in are group couldn't get aclimated]sp? to the elevation and spent 2 days watching tv at the cabin.
If you are going to hike it just go preparedd and know when to call it a day. :div20:

Furthur where do you live??? I spend all winter in Twin riding.. I was just up in Twin clearing trails this weekend. I would not recommend hiking Mt Washington now. Was pretty cool in the am... Down to like 25 according to the truck when I was there at 8am...

25 is cool??
The last time I rode with you, that was a cold day -15 and windy all day... :brrrr:

But it was great! and we stayed plenty warm just unsticking your sled every 13 minutes...

Just kidding, we have to do that again soon, but just a trail ride and I will ride my Rage so are equally matched.... :frech32:

Elevation is Huge factor out West. I remember getting Short Winded while Hikeing to the Bar Room
out in West Yellowstone . That town is around 6 or 7000 ft . Pulling a Stuck sled out of deep powder on the Continental Divide is a Killer.

I have never ridden out west and wonder how tough a sled is to dig out in deep powder around 9000 feet.

Last month when I was on Mtn. Whittier I couldn't help but think how much fun those mtns would be on a sled!! :div20:
Those guys out west are sooo lucky!
We don't have much to compare, they can spend their entire weekend playing on the same ridge and could care less about how miles they did.

How was the mtn biking? What trails did you ride? Did you find the singletrack traill called Woronoco?

Do you have Enviromental Geography with Maxner?

It sucks big time!!! :banghead: I thought I was going to die..........I had to take my helmet off b/c I felt like I was going to suffocate from a lack of oxygen. :smilielol: :banghead: :smilielol:


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Who forgot to tell us flatlanders to stay away from the treewells?! :smilielol:





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That one day of riding out west kicked my ass more than a 250 mile day of trail riding on Sno Deo weekend around Diamond Pond. :smilielol:

We did a total of about 120 miles that day and spent a lot of time digging. What a day, had a blast. Already looking forward to it for this year.....going to ride for two days there. :div20:



Only problem was that night; I had a headache that was about the size of ALL my college hangovers combined. :banghead: Can you say a little altitude sickness. :banghead:

Figures we didn't end up going. I had to help a one of the kids move out of our friends basement and into an apartment. I plan on hiking Pittsburg soon. I just hope I have a job by then :banghead: so I can afford the trip.

that first picture looks like a problem, when you sled sinks sideways!
Those pictures are awesome but probably nothing compared to being there!

Got anymore pics??

I was poking around in between some trees and got too close to the tree well. The sled sunk sideways before I knew it. I was on a rental sled, so I didn't want to get bashed up by the branches gassing out once I started to slide. Maintaining speed was my demise. :banghead:

Live and learn as they say. :div20:




Here's a couple more pics from that trip.


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Here's two more that I dug up. The M-Sled wasn't too bad on the trails either.......I thought it would be worse. :beerchug:


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LOL ya that was a good time.. Got back to the trailer and the dam lock had frozen.. Thank god for Wendy's napkins. Light them on fire and man do they burn hot! Got the ice out of the lock in no time!

Let me know when your going to be in pitts this winter and I will take the drive up. If were sticking to trails I will bring the brother with me.. You think I am bad off trail... I can't image how bad his sled would be.. RxWarrior...

those pictures are making me want to get on a sled!

Long tracks are better on trails than most would think,
I can trail ride with most anyone on my Mtn Max (the guys behind me don't love it tooo much due to the huge rooster tail the machine makes).

the 2 inch paddle gives great traction in all conditions BUT ICE! :augen41:

hey Snowbandit we will surely ride this winter, we just need some snow. :beerchug:




This one's for pathfinder

Here's some more pics for dualmass from out west.
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Yes it realy sucks digging out sleds that are buried at 7000 ft. or more
Dualmass if your interested, I'll be going back out there next season if you care to join us.
was an awesome time with more snow then I could imagine.
Thats when I really got hooked on long tracks. :div20:

Its a really good thing anybody did'nt hike the mountain this past Monday. Tuesday's story from the Boston Globe: :brrrr: :brrrr: :brrrr: I wonder what the windshield temp. was. Temperature was'nt stated.
Mount Washington has 158 mph wind gust, highest in decade
By Joe Magruder, Associated Press Writer | October 30, 2006

CONCORD, N.H. --A 158-mph wind gust, the strongest in a decade, shook the weather observatory atop Mount Washington early Monday.

Overnight observer Ryan Knapp recorded a gust of 151 mph a bit earlier that shook the Mount Washington Observatory enough to wake up the rest of the small crew.

"A couple of minutes later the building roared and shook again and we had topped 158 miles per hour," observer Jim Salge said in a telephone interview Monday afternoon.

Salge said the gust was the strongest recorded by the private observatory since a 154-mph gust on July 20, 1996.

Though small compared with peaks in the Rocky Mountains and other major ranges, Mount Washington, at 6,288 feet, has some of the worst weather in the world. The highest wind speed ever measured on the Earth's surface, 231 mph, was recorded at the observatory in April 1934.

Salge said gusts like Monday's, two times the 75-mph threshold for a hurricane, make "a real low, bass sound, kind of like a growling (or) thundering" as they batter the rugged observatory building.

The huge gust was near the tail end of a weather system that produced gusts above 140 mph during the weekend. Salge said they resulted from "a perfect setup -- a storm system was moving away and a high pressure was moving in," with a sharp change in pressure between them.

The 158 mph gust came from the west-northwest, but gusts over 100 mph during the weekend came from the southeast, southwest and west, Salge said.

Wind gusts over 50 mph knocked down trees and disrupted power around New Hampshire, leaving an estimated 24,000 people without power at one point during the weekend. Heavy, driving rain in the rest of the state fell as 10 inches of snow on Mount Washington, bringing the total for the month to nearly 40 inches.

That made October the second snowiest on the mountain since 1969, when 34.4 inches of snow fell. The snowiest October was last year, when the summit got 78.9 inches. Record flooding struck other parts of the state that month.

comparing last year to this year....i hope (and im sure it doesnt say much) that thats not an indicator of the snowfall this year.

I LOVE THE MT WASHINGTON VALLEY!!!! My in-laws own the Maple Leaf Motel in North Conway. There is nothing I love more than waking up and looking out the window at the Mountain!!! My wifes folks gave me "Not without Peril" Great book. All that scary reading only makes me want to climb it more! Hopefully in May sometime. And next winter we are planning on dragging the sleds all the way up there to do some good riding.