Greetings All,

As a warm up to a Cascades climb (Shuksan) in August, my partner and I are looking to get up Mount Washington in New Hampshire in mid July. We're starting to research routes and logistics, but I wanted to see if anyone could add some beta on the following:

(1) Weather in July: we're up to speed on the potential for harsh weather on Washington, and we'll plan and pack accordingly. But can anyone attest to weather they've experienced on the mountain in July? Ground truth is always valuable and worth it's weight in gold!
(2) Routes: Tuckerman Ravine seems to be the winner, with Lions Head as the alternate in case the headwall has issues. Any words of wisdom on the routes?
(3) Lodging: we'd like to camp the night before and get a late'ish alpine start to head for the summit. We did this at Katahdin last summer and the Roaring Brook camp ground was perfect for this. Is there something similar at Washington? I've read about lodging that is available about a quarter up, but we'd prefer something at "ground" level and take the entire mountain (to the summit and back) in one day. The alternative is a motel or something that's super close, but that takes the fun out of it.

Thanks all!

1. I climbed Pinnacle Buttress in July before, it started great but ended with a down pour. We hiked out in the rain. So be prepared. I didn't carry any extra gear or clothing, we were hoping to beat the rain in the forecast and finished the climbing just as the cloud rolled in. Hiking down in the rain isn't that big of a deal.
2. Yuckerman can be a bit of a zoo in the summer, but if you start early, you can beat the crowd. Lion Head can be sketchy if it's wet, but doable and more fun.
3. Why camp? You can do the route from Pinkham Notch to the top and back in a day, no problem. Especially if you do an early start and move relatively fast?

Try Huntington Ravine. It's a ton of fun and will be a better warm up for Shuksan. You could stay at the Harvard cabin or just throw a tent in the woods somewhere close by the base.

Often, July weather is hot and very humid. Maybe not as unbearable as Washington DC in the summer, but close. Bring a filter and drink frequently from streams during your approach.

Now, once you hit treeline and the wind and clouds set in, temperature can drop into the 40s, so bring wind and rain gear, a hat and gloves, and don't ignore the forecast.

Do not "just throw a tent in the woods" at the base of Huntington ravine - the east side of Mt Washington is crowded and heavily patrolled, and camping is not permitted except in the designated spots.
See http://www.summitpost.org/presidential- ... #chapter_9
and
http://www.summitpost.org/white-mountai ... #chapter_3

There's no equivalent to Roaring Brook, but Dolly Copp is just up the road:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/whitemou ... 3&actid=29

Another good option is to take the Great Gulf Trail from Route 16 all the way up the headwall. There are at least five designated tentsites along the way, the first one being close to the junction with the Osgood Trail.

I would avoid Washington in July. Too many people, cars, etc.

If your goal is a training hike, head north to Adams/Madison. You can get the same workout without being stuck in a conga line going up the trail. The RMC facilities give you some overnight options. I have pitched a tent down low on the first night just to get a jump on the day. Lots of options.

But, if are intent on bagging Washington, consider heading up the Caps Ridge Trail. Tag Jefferson, then head south to Washington and back. A great day hike without the crowds.

kozman18 wrote:You can get the same workout without being stuck in a conga line going up the trail. ...

But, if are intent on bagging Washington, consider heading up the Caps Ridge Trail. Tag Jefferson, then head south to Washington and back. A great day hike without the crowds.

Hah, nice on that one. I recently moved to NY, this is good to know. Appreciate the info.

Stay off the Mountain the weekend (19th-20) of the 2013 Seek the Peak!!! The place is a mad house with people every where.

I like going up Crawford and down the Jewell (cool off in the stream below), all in a day..Maybe you should try the "pemi"