Mt. Washington – via Tuckerman Ravine and Lion Head Trail Hike

Introduction

AllTrails link to Mount Washington via Lion Head Trail Hike

This was day 2 of our White Mountains, New Hampshire get-away.

Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the Northeast, is located in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, NH. It is infamous for its unpredictable, treacherous weather and holding the world record for the highest measured wind speeds, not due to a tornado or cyclone, of 231 miles per hour at the summit.

Basic Information

Date of trip: 06/18/2022

Difficulty level: strenuous

Distance: 7.4 miles round-trip

Elevation gain: 4,242 feet

Elevation: 6,288 feet

Location: White Mountain National Forest, Presidential Range, Sargent’s Purchase, Mount Washington State Park, NH

History

The Native American never climbed Mount Washington because they believed that it was the home of the Great Spirit. They called it “Agiocochook,” which means “the place of the Concealed One” or “Kodaak Wadjo,” which means “the top is so hidden” or “summit of the highest mountain.”

The first recorded ascent of Mount Washington was in 1632.

In 1852, the Summit House hotel opened. In 1861, the Mount Washington Auto Road opened as a carriage road, turning Mount Washington into the nation’s first man-made tourist attraction.

Eight years later, the Mount Washington Cog Railway, also known as “the railway to the moon” was built.

The Tuckerman Ravine is named after Edward Tuckerman, a botanist who conducted alpine research on the slopes of Mount Washington in the 19th century.

Our Impressions

Out of all of our hiking experiences, I would rate this climb as the most torturous and the most memorable. It placed our hiking experience into a different category of hiking.

The hike itself was challenging but by no means the most difficult in terms of terrain. However, the WEATHER (I must capitalize the word to show my emotions about it) made this hike into a monstrosity.

It was cold and it was raining. The rain turned to hail above the tree lines. Why in the world did we attempt this hike in the first place? One, it is hard to believe it until you see it. The weather on the bottom, although far from ideal hiking weather, was nothing compared to what was happening near the summit. Two, we drove from six hours away for a four-day weekend. The only two days to hike Mount Washington were this one and the next one as we needed a full day. Since the weather forecast was not showing any improvement for the next day, we decided to attempt this day. Third, given the fact that we have kids, we cannot just get up and go any time we like it. Our trips are always a very orchestrated project so we would not be able to return for quite some time.

Despite it being wet from the start, the hike did not seem too treacherous in the beginning. We had rain gear and warm clothing, including hats, gloves, base layers, mid layers, and jackets. The guide on the bottom advised us to take the route that is safest during bad weather, which we took.

Thus, we kept hiking up. We were convinced that we would summit until we were about 1 – 2 miles from the summit, when we started encountering numerous people turning back and reporting the horrible conditions. We were so close so we continued to push on hoping that the others turned back because they were not experienced hikers like us and did not have the proper equipment.

A side note on coming prepared: we were shocked to see so many people who came to this mountain completely unprepared in thin sweatshirts, sneakers, shorts, and zero equipment. What in the world were they thinking?

Even though we came prepared, we still became wet and cold when approaching the summit. I was in such a hurry to get the hike over with, I got a second wind of energy and started running up the mountain. Sheldon could barely keep up.

At one point, we finally realized that it was impossible to go any further. The wind was so strong that it was knocking 220 pound Sheldon off his feet. About 1/2 mile from the summit, we turned back. Because it was so cold and I overexerted myself trying to get to the top as quickly as possible, I did not realize how dehydrated I became. All of a sudden, still above the tree line, I became faint, dizzy, and cold. I had to sit down because I could not go any further. Luckily, I realized what happened. I started drinking right away and eating the energy chews that I always carry on hiking expeditions. Thankfully, I revived within minutes, and we made it down to safety.

In hindsight, I doubt were would attempt to summit Mount Washington that day if we understood the terrible conditions. On the other hand, it was quite an experience to remember. Luckily, we had the smarts to turn back. Safety is way more important than the goal. In Sheldon’s words, “Live to hike another day.”

Facts

1. We encountered only 6 people that summited that day.
2. Multiple people called for help and were rescued off the mountain that day.
3. One man died attempting to summit that same day but on a different trail that was more exposed to the elements. You can read his story here.
4. According to CNN, “The conditions in the high peaks were treacherous: freezing temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and winds gusting over 80 mph. Only those with the experience, training, and adequate gear were utilized for this rescue.”

Mount Washington Hiking Safety Tips

1. Tell someone who is not hiking with you where you will be and when you estimate to return.
2. Consider whether you have the fitness level to ascend this mountain. You should be very fit and an experienced hiker.
3. Check the weather the morning of your hike with the Mount Washington Observatory and determine if you should attempt to summit that day.
4. Dress accordingly to the weather and carry layers and rain gear.
5. Bring sufficient water and food.
6. Bring a portable cell phone battery.
7. Bring a flashlight.

Be careful and prepared and happy hiking!