Summits: Mount Jackson (4,052'), Mount Webster (3,910')
Trail route: Webster-Jackson Trail, Jackson Brook Trail, Webster Cliff Trail, Webster Brook Trail
Trail conditions: Snow, a couple inches to start and several inches at higher elevations with occasional ice underneath
Weather: Cold with sunshine
Total miles: 6.5
Total time: 6:00
After a recent snowfall I was anxious to get out on the trail for a preparatory winter hike. I was glad to have Guy joining me for this loop hike up to Mount Jackson over to Mount Webster and back down.
This was apparently a popular hike today since I got the last parking spot off the road and hikers kept arriving parking along the side of the road. Guy arrived shortly after I did and we were soon on our way. After crossing the road we put on our microspikes and they would stay on throughout the entire hike.
There was a couple inches of snow to start and increased with elevation gain. The microspikes were the perfect traction for today as we continued up. There was a couple of tricky areas on some icy ledges but not much of a problem.
We arrived at the summit with just a slight breeze but otherwise beautiful. Several gray jays were waiting to greet us. There was also several hikers enjoying the summit. We lingered for a while then continued our hike to Mount Webster but not before a large group set out before us.
As we descended Mount Jackson there was a steep ledge with ice under the snow. One of the hikers in the group ahead of us had a rope set up and let us use it to help us descend, it was greatly appreciated!
The snow was several inches deep and unconsolidated between these two summits. It was a sloppy hike to Mount Webster. We arrived at the summit to more beautiful views. We spoke with the group that was there that we had followed over from Jackson. After some hiker chat and more lingering it was time to start our descent. The group departed ahead of us and it was all downhill from here, almost.
The trail drops steeply from Mount Webster. The snow/ice conditions were not as bad as I was expecting although it was still a careful descent. The Silver Cascade was looking spectacular with a coating of ice. There was one last steep climb up from the cascade to complete the loop then the hike back down to the trailhead. The snow on the trail from the junction was well beat down from the many hikers that were out today.
It was an excellent day for testing the winter gear minus the snowshoes and also for conditioning the winter hiking legs. Although the first day of winter is one month away it has already begun in the mountains.
Enjoy the photos!
Morning sun through the trees
Icy brook
Guy at a water crossing
Frosty forest
Snowy ledges
Final push to the summit of Mount Jackson
Views are opening up
Guy on the final approach to the summit
Gray jay waiting
On the summit of Mount Jackson
Gray jay posing against the sun
View of the Presidential summits to the north
Willey range
Heading to Mount Webster
Guy coming up a snowy ledge
Mount Webster can be seen up ahead
Several inches of unconsolidated snow between Jackson and Webster
Narrow passage
Snowy trees against a blue sky
A look down from the summit of Mount Webster
A view of the Willey Range
Silver Cascade
Guy on the water crossing at Silver Cascade
Snow covered brook crossing
Back at the trailhead
Train leaving Crawford Depot
Arriving back home at sunset
Having Fun in the Great Outdoors!
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