Outdoor Diversion: A Windy Hike on Some Presidential Summits

Summits: Mount Washington (6,288'), Mount Monroe (5,372'), Mount Eisenhower (4,780')

Trail route: Along the Cog Railway, Trinity Heights Connector, Crawford Path, Edmands Path, Mt Clinton Road walk

Trail conditions: Thin snow cover, rocky, some ice

Weather: Temps in the 20's, partly cloudy

Total miles: 11

Total time: 8:30

Weather and trail conditions appeared tolerable for a winter hike above treeline today although a robust wind was in the forecast. I would be joining Jill, Jim, Amy, Lisa and Scott for a hike across Mount Washington then south to Mount Monroe and continuing on to Mount Eisenhower.

We started our hike up Mount Washington along the cog railway from Marshfield Station. There was a low cloud cover and a damp penetrating cold hung in the air but no wind. We were all bare booting as there was only a few inches of packed and loose snow. About a third of the way up we put on microspikes as it started getting steeper.

At the Waumbek water tank we had passed through the cloud cover and were able to look out on a spectacular undercast. We started to experience our first wind as we passed the Half-Way House. Temps were in the 20's so it was a cold but not frigid wind.

As we got higher up the mountain the wind picked up and just got stronger as we passed above treeline becoming totally exposed to the elements. The sun was up and provided some psychological warmth. When we reached the summit it was rather difficult to stand against the wind gusts. A quick photo at the summit sign then we found some shelter against the wind in full sunshine that was very nice.

We had a nice break from the wind and something to eat then it was time to move on to the next summit. As we descended Mount Washington to the south the wind diminished and it was a pleasant hike to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut. We encountered some ice on the Crawford Path but easily crossed it with the microspikes.

We arrived at the Lakes of the Clouds Hut and took a short break. The hut served as a good wind break. We then started our climb up Mount Monroe. Once again the wind was quite strong but we made it to the summit without a problem. We managed to find a spot to get out of some of the wind and took another short break. It was then on to Mount Eisenhower.

Along the way we passed over Little Monroe and some went over Mount Franklin while some of us continued on the Crawford Path bypassing this summit. A dip down into a col and the Mount Eisenhower summit cone was right in front of us. So up we went into the howling wind again. There was no protection from the wind on this bald peak and after a few photos we began our descent. It was all downhill from here.

After passing over the rock slide on the Edmands Path the trail was in excellent condition. The trail was well packed and smooth, rocks and roots were covered and there was minimal ice that did not present a problem. It was an enjoyable hike down to the trailhead. We then had a road walk on Mt Clinton Road to Base Road to complete the hike.

When I got home I checked the Mount Washington Observatory weather archives to see what wind speeds we were experiencing today. The average sustained wind speed was 36.1 MPH with wind gusts to 59 MPH. I was carrying my external thermometer and was averaging temps in the 20's.

Weather and trail conditions turned out to be about what I expected with maybe a little more wind than I was anticipating. There was minimal snow so it was microspikes for most of the hike and snowshoes were not needed.

As winter hikes go above treeline it could be considered ideal conditions with full sunshine and an added bonus of an amazing undercast. This was an exciting adventure today with a fun group of hikers!

Enjoy the photos and video!