Mount Washington: A Beacon in our Backyard

Mount Washington has a strange fascination for many people, and I am one of them. Just what it is that draws us to this austere place like a moth to a flame is hard to put your finger on. We all know that this mountain is the highest peak in the northeastern United States, and that it has (or it least it HAD until recently) the world’s worst recorded weather. But there is something else, some elusive fascination about Mount Washington, that has distinguished it in the minds of many, drawing us back to it again and again. This mountain is treacherous, austere and sometimes deadly, many having lost their lives in the process of climbing it over the years ... not exactly the best qualifications to recommend it as a destination. And yet we still go! By the throngs!! (Easter weekend, I was driving up toward Pinkham Notch, and there were almost 5 miles of cars parked on either side of the road near the AMC! It was estimated that over 3000 people climbed up Tuckerman Ravine to get in some awesome spring skiing!!).

Nicholas Howe, a long-time Jackson resident, has written a marvelous book about some of the more disastrous attempts up to the summit of Mount Washington, called ‘Not Without Peril’. It is filled with lots of interesting stories, but apart from its ‘good read’ value, the book serves a warning for the unprepared or inexperienced hikers who think it would be ‘fun’ to climb to the top. My sister-in-law was one of them. She came for a visit one year with her three small boys, the youngest of whom was five. Despite our protests, she left after lunchtime (a definite No-No), without any tents or equipment in case of the arrival of unexpected weather (another No-No), and she was determined to go; no amount of reason would sway her. And so with some take out sandwiches from the deli, she started out on her afternoon expedition. We sent our oldest son Chris along with her. As a Civil Air Patrol cadet with extensive training in Search and Rescue missions, as well as being an experienced hiker himself, this added a good bit of insurance to what could have been a ‘drowning party’. Chris carried his youngest cousin most of the way up the mountain, and Dana met them at the top to drive them all down. I don’t recommend this sort of a hiking experience. However, if you are prepared and in shape, it is unsurpassed. (And of course, there is always the Auto Road to get you to the top safely).

We get many hikers here at The Lodge. Most are aware of the dangers that this particular mountain can pose. We always check out the summit conditions for our guests, sometimes calling the AMC for special advice, which they are expert at giving. As a result, if you are prepared for the experience, Mount Washington is one of our best and most exciting resources.