GetHigh Hike #2: Mt.Madison

Trails used: Valley Way, Fallsway, Osgood Trail

About 8.6 miles with 4100 feet of elevation gain

Saturday’s weather called for overcast skies and a chance of rain that resulted with a couple of last minute cancellations however it turned out to be a decent day without any rain, bright overcast skies and decent views. Our plan was to take Valley Way all the way to Madison Springs Hut and then use the Osgood Trail to reach the summit.

Rick joined us today.  He is training with us for our upcoming Haute Route trek in July. The trail was nice and dry for most of the way. We took a slight detour to enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and cascades on the Fallsway. We were delighted to see our first wildflowers of the season that included purple and painted trilliums, trout lilies and hobble bush!

After the junction of the Watson path we had a long steady climb up the lower east slope of Durand Ridge. We reached the Valley Way Campsite junction…then we had to deal with snow. It was onerous. It consisted of a narrow monorail that was easy to slip off. Walking was difficult and we occasionally postholed. We did a combination of hiking off to the side of the trail where the ground was bare and then hopping back on the monorail.

As we got higher we saw the summit of Mt. Madison peeking through the trees. We then saw the Turn-Back-or-Die sign. This is appropriate wording. Beginner hikers should not attempt the Northern Presidentials.

We reached the Madison Springs Hut [closed] for a break before we made our summit bid. Treeline! Treeline now means no snow. As we ascended we had views of clouds hovering over Mt. Washington.

We left the hut behind with John Quincy and Adams summits in the background. As we climbed we saw Star Lake below and saw how close Ms. Matrosova had been to treeline when she perished. An extremely experienced mountaineer, Kate Matrosova died in terrain Jon and I know well. We have hiked these peaks multiple times…but never in harsh conditions Matrosova experienced that fateful day last February. We saw the approximate place where Ms. Matrosova died, not to act like some inappropriate tragedy tourist, but to remind ourselves how difficult it is to hike even a few tenths of a mile to safety when one is facing 80+ mph winds and subzero temperatures. We always respect the power of nature and understand how prepared we always must be.

We continued up to Mt. Madison. Almost there! We then reached the summit!

We enjoyed the 360 degree views while we were having lunch. When we felt ready, we descended the way be came.  We put on our MicroSpikes for the descent on the snow…we were happy to have brought poles to help with balancing.

A mile or so down, life got easier. I checked out the Valley Way Campsite. I found that it had a great spring coming from a rock and had 6 campsites with views of a nearby ridge. Perhaps a spot for a future backpacking trip! As we descended we saw about 8 people with backpacks climbing up planning to stay there. After that, we were all so tired from the day that we didn’t say much for the rest of the hike. With 4100 feet of elevation gain…no wonder we were all kaput!

Visions of steak and wine were dancing in my head by the time we reached Appalachia. Jon prepared another delicious dinner: steak with a rub, fresh green beans, fried potatoes garden salad and toasted garlic bread.  

‘Twas another good, albeit very strenuous, day in the woods.

Our next GetHigh hike is up Mt. Monroe on June 6th.

Happy trails, everyone.

Mike

Second of five hikes that progressively get harder leading to Mt. Washington!

This hike is not for beginners... but for the experienced. We will summit Mt. Madison [5,366']. The hike is very challenging though not as much as Mt. Washington which is why we are coordinating progressively harder hikes leading up to it in early July! 

We are taking the easiest route to Madison via Madison Spring Hut, using the Valley Way and Osgood Trail; up and back. Valley Way is a relatively moderate and sheltered route up the AMC's Madison Hut. After the Hut, we will take the Osgood Trail for the exposed boulder-climb to its summit cone.

There is 4,100 feet of elevation gain in about 4 miles of steady climbing. Total mileage up and back is 8.4 miles. The upper cone of the mountain is a jumble of broken rock, devoid of trees and any protection from the elements. We are allowing a full day for this very strenuous climb, which includes difficult boulder-hopping on the upper ridges.

The views south and southwest to the neighboring Presidential peaks and into the Great Gulf are very fine; the distant view is excellent in all other directions, and it includes Chocorua, which is visible just to the left of Mt. Washington.

Apres-Hike: We'll be starved. Everyone is welcome back to our house in Waterville Valley for a BBQ. It's BYOB and bring snacks to share. We ask $5 to reimburse us for our costs. Showers are available if you want to freshen up.

If you ask us whether or not this hike is for you, we will honestly tell you whether or not you are suited.  If you haven’t asked us about your suitability for this hike, and you are wondering about this warning, then ask.  We will openly tell you if we think you have bitten off more than is safe for your hiking ability.

1. To attend this hike, you must NOT wear any clothing made of cotton or denim.  No exceptions.

2. Rain gear

3. Gloves and Wool Hat

4. Headlamp

5. Hiking boots

6. Mole skin or nu skin and tape

7. At least 2 quarts of water [If the Hut is open we should be able to refill our water bottles]

8. Lunch

9. Gu (or other high sugar concentrate for instant energy) – you can  find this at EMS, REI, Dicks, etc

10. Snacks

11. Insulating layer such a fleece or wool jacket/sweater

12. Bandana or something to mop up the sweat (this one item can be cotton)

13. Toilet Paper

14. Sunglasses

15. Sunscreen

While as a leader, I do carry a first aid kit, it is not fair for any hiker to expect me to carry basic items as listed above.  Please come responsibly prepared and we will have fun.

Thank you for reading this. Please take it seriously.

Lodging Option: We have 8 bunks available at our house near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday night at $20 per night. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. We have limited space in the fridge to store your beverages/food so it's best to bring a small cooler. Space is limited so email us ASAP to reserve a bunk!