Mts. Jackson and Webster Snowshoe

On Saturday, March 6th, three of us (Markus, Brooks and myself) met up at the trailhead off of Rt. 302 for the Webster-Jackson Trail.  After waiting for another individual who had removed himself at the last minute, we headed up the Webster-Jackson Trail at around 10AM.  The weather was sunny and clear and we really couldn't have hoped for a better day.  The trail had a pretty consistant grade from the start with a good amount of soft snow cover despite a worn track.  We maintained a good pace with only a few breaks (Markus was having trouble keeping one of his snowshoes strapped and I had dropped my water bottle a considerable distance back along the trail).  We stopped to take in the views at the first overlook, This was a rocky ledge that provides a nice view into the Mt. Washington Valley and across the way into the Willey Range.  When we got to the Webster-Jackson trail junction, we proceeded up the Jackson Trail.  Shortly after the junction the trail began to get slighly more steep up to where the trees thinned out and we got a good glimpse of Mt. Jackson.  Here the footprints started to go in every conceivable direction...many paths ended in deadends.  We found the correct path and ascended the steep southern flank of Jackson.  The winds and temperature were brutal on top, but we were rewarded with a fantasticly clear view of Mt. Washington and the eastern portion of the Presidential range...as well as a sweeping view into the surrounding White Mountains.  We decided to descend off the summit to have lunch, so we headed over to the trail sign for the Webster Cliff Trail, but there was no sign of any tracks.  I remembered from a summer trip where it should be and we found a way down.  We eventually found some tracks that headed in the direction of Mt. Webster.  At about 1:00/1:30PM we had lunch in a sunny spot along the trail out of the wind.  After lunch we continued through the woods following the same tracks.  Amazingly enough they just stopped a little further at an open ledge which looks out at Mt. Webster.  This was a little less than halfway over to Webster.  We decided that without a path to follow and the fact that Brooks was wearing just crampons and was postholing when we got off trail, we decided to head back the way we came and follow the path along the base of Jackson back to the trail by which we had ascended.  When we got back to the Webster/Jackson trail junction, we took a short hike down the Webster Trail to view the Silver Cascades.  These were totally frozen over with only a wall of ice visible.  After a nice break here we continued back down the trail.  Since we had not been able to get to the Webster Cliffs in the loop, that was planned, we all decided we'd go explore Elephant Head.  This is a nice open ledge which provides nice views into Crawford Notch.  After this we continued back to the trail head where we finished the hike at about 4:30PM.  We got settled and went over to Fabyan's in Bretton Woods for a drink and a light meal before calling it a day.  A huge thanks to Markus and Brooks for joining me on this hike!

Join me for this 6.5 mile snowshoe hike up to Mts. Jackson (4052') and Webster (3910').  The views from each are spectacular...from Mt Jackson there are panoramic views out into the southeastern Presidential Range and from the Webster Cliff there is an incredible view looking down on Crawford Notch.  Along the way there is also a portion of the Silver Cascades...a beautiful waterfall and pool.  If there is time, we'll also take the short spur trail out to Elephant Head to take in the views into Crawford Notch...called the Gate of the Notch.  There are a few relatively steep sections up to the summit and the elevation gain is 2150 feet. 

Trailhead:  We'll plan to meet at the Parking area across the road from Saco Lake.  This lot is just to the east of the AMC Highland Center on Rt. 302 immediately before the drop into Crawford Notch  (the lot is roadside by the train tracks and on the opposite side of the road along Saco Lake).  NOTE:  This parking area is plowed in the winter.  Look for a grey Hyundai Elantra.  Additional parking may be available at the Crawford Path Parking lot off of Mt. Clinton Road (almost directly across from the AMC Highland Center) The week of the trip, I'll send out details for carpooling to the trailhead, if anyone wishes... this may reduce the burden with possibly limited parking. 

What to Bring:  Please dress accordingly for a day in exposed winter conditions (on 2 open summits), bring your snowshoes (and other traction as desired) and wear appropriate boots with thick socks.  Also bring along snacks, water, lunch and anything else you may require for the day. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the hike by 4-5 PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll cap the day off with dinner/drinks in the area afterwards.