Summits: Mount Isolation (4,003')
Trail route: Rocky Branch Trail, Engine Hill bushwhack, Isolation Trail, Davis Path, Mt Isolation spur
Trail conditions: Packed trail with some loose snow
Weather: Cool morning temps warming up with sunshine and a deep blue sky
Total miles: 13.4
Total time: 9 hours
Sunday was looking like the best weather day this weekend so a group of us decided to take the long hike into the desolate and appropriately named summit of Mount Isolation. I would be joining Jill, Robin, Amy L, Amy D, and Jim for this hike into the Dry River Wilderness. Our strategy was anticipating a lot of hikers would be out on Saturday breaking trail from recent snow leaving us with a well broke out trail.
We met at the Rocky Branch Trail parking lot. There were several hikers that were out ahead of us as we started up the trail. I started in microspikes on a firmly packed and solid trail. There was bright sunshine filtering down through the trees with a clear blue sky. The temperature was comfortable and it was a great start to the hike.
When we reached the beginning of the Engine Hill bushwhack we all put on snowshoes as the snow was getting soft and loose. I noticed that the main trail had also been broke out. The bushwhack is well known for crossing through beautiful birch glades. There is also good views of Mount Isolation from the glades. After winding our way through the glades and woods we came out onto the Isolation Trail.
We hiked up alongside the Rocky Branch River then crossed it on a fairly stable snow bridge with only one of us breaking through. We followed the Isolation Trail to the Davis Path. Arriving at the Mount Isolation spur path I noticed the Davis Path was not broke out past this junction. It was a steep climb to the summit with one section that was particularly difficult with snowshoes on. From there it was a short walk to the summit.
This summit completed Robin's 3rd round of the of the 48 4,000 footers. We had a little celebration and enjoyed the incredible views, even the gray jays showed up. It was a beautiful day for lingering and basking in the sun on the summit. But it didn't last too long as we still had an almost seven mile hike back to the parking lot. We soon started our descent.
The long hike back went well, along the Davis Path to the Isolation Trail, over the water crossing and along the Rocky Branch River, through the birch glades on the Engine Hill bushwhack, back onto the Rocky Branch Trail and out to the trailhead parking lot.
It was a spectacular day for this hike with great trail conditions, perfect weather and an awesome group of hiking friends that made the miles and hours fun and enjoyable!
Enjoy the photos and video!
Passed by this moose on the drive to the trailhead
The hike starts here
On the Rocky Branch Trail
The trail is nicely broke out
Jim stops for a moment as we enter the Dry River Wilderness
"T" on the tree marks the start of the Engine Hill bushwhack
A view from the trail
Entering the beautiful birch glades
Single file through the glades
Lots of birch trees
A great winter bushwhack
Watch out for that hole Jill
Leaving the birch glades
Blue sky and birch trees
Hiking beside the Rocky Branch River
Solid bridge on this water crossing...almost
Robin bending through an easy under blowdown
Full sunshine
Zoomed in view of hikers on the summit of Mount Eisenhower
A quick stop to take in the views
Mount Isolation up ahead
At the spur path to the summit
Davis Path is not broke out from here
A tricky steep section just below the summit and here comes Robin
Amy D tackling the steep section
Amy L and Jill have no problem on the steep
Robin completing her 3rd round of the 48 4,000 footers today
View from the summit
Mount Washington
Zooming in on the summit of Mount Washington
Posing with a gray jay that's perched on the top of a tree
Gray jay enjoying the views
A view toward the east
The Engine Hill bushwhack birch glades
Starting our descent
Rocky Branch River
Mount Isolation
Jill sauntering through the birch glades
Heading into a stand of spruce trees
Open area in the birch glades
Sun through late day thin clouds
A last view of Mount Isolation through the birch trees
Almost out of the birch glades
Leaving the birch glades
Nine hours later we're back at the trailhead
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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