Lonesome Lake Hike

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Thirteen of us showed up to brave possible snowy trail conditions (due to the snow storm a few days before) to hike to Lonesome Lake Hut. The group consisted of a nice mix of experienced hikers and some GO members participating in their first GO hike. The day started off really promising with bright sunny skies and warm morning air. But at the start of the trip skies turned overcast and was a bit cooler. The group was wondering how much snow would be on the trail. Driving down from north along Route 93 Don and I saw a great view of the Presidential’s all covered in snow.  After waiting about 10 minutes for the a few hikers to arrive we did customary exchange of name and started the hike. One of the hikers did arrive after we left, but was able to catch up to us on the trail. The start of the trail leads through Lafayette Place campground, which this time of year was a ghost town. We didn’t see anybody camping. Along the trail to the lake we encountered an abundance of trillium and great views of Franconia Ridge. We first encountered snow when we got to the flat part of the trail prior to the reaching Lonesome Lake. There was hard pack snow few inches deep. The snow got deeper as we walked clockwise around the lake heading to the Lonesome Lake Hut. We had to be careful of where the planks were so that we wouldn’t sink down into the snow. It helped they put me the fearless leader in front of them to see where I stepped so they would know where or where not to step.  Luckily I made all the right steps and didn’t sink into the snow. When we got to Lonesome Lake the sky had cleared and the sun came out. We stopped for lunch at the hut, some chose to eat inside and others ate out in the sun. After lunch we all went to sit on the dock and marvel in the great view of the Lonesome Lake (which had a pair of Loons swimming on it) and Franconia Ridge. While relaxing on the dock the group heard a thump thump thump sound from above. We looked up and saw a helicopter coming right for us. The hut worker informed us that we had to move back away from the dock and up toward to the hut, to allow the helicopter safe landing.  The helicopter was like one of those cars you see in a circus because four people got of it and I was thinking “how’d they all fit in the small seating area”.  After the helicopter dropped off the workers, it took off and the hut worker told me that we had to leave the area. I wasn’t sure why he was saying that.  Some of the group thought there might be bear around because the people that got of the helicopter brought with them large netting.  It turns out that the as we proceeded the rest of the way around the lake we heard the helicopter come back in this time carrying cargo below it. It then dawned on the group that the netting was being used to allow the helicopter to transport stuff back down. We saw the helicopter make another trip while we continued around the lake.  We continued back down the trail to the trailhead enjoying the sunshine and the views of Franconia ridge.  It couldn’t have been a better day - great weather, great hike and a great group of guys.

Join Don and myself as we hike to the Lonesome Lake Hut. This is a great spring warm up hike. The hike is about 3 1/2 miles with 1000 feet of elevation gain.  The trip starts out hiking through the Layfayette Place campground and follows the Lonesome Lake Trail up to Lonesome Lake. The trip distance may be short but it has a steady incline up to the lake.  The walk around the lake to the hike is flat traversing a series of boardwalks. The hike provides great views of Franconia Ridge peaks on the east side of the notch.  Plan is to have lunch at the hut.  The trail is wooded but there could be some snow on the trail. Hiking boots will work fine, but gaiters if you have them could be helpful.  Dress appropriately for spring weather in the White Mountains and bring a windbreaker/raingear (just in case).  Also bring along lunch, snacks and water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require.