GetWinter Hike #5: Mt. Jackson

Mt. Jackson is one of the easier 4,000 footers and with the extra daylight; there was no need for an early start. Jon and I met the group at the Highland Center around noon. After our traditional welcome hugs and kisses we grabbed our things, walked alongside the road a bit to the Webster-Jackson Trailhead and set off. The sky was clear, wind was 10mph, and the official temperature at the local NWS reporting station indicated 31 degrees.

The trail was packed well enough to allow only MicroSpikes. Even so, we had our snowshoes attached to our packs. It was a terrific track to follow. The conditions kept us moving. By the time we reached the spur to Bugle Cliff we were up-to-temperature and comfortably making our way through the hike. The sun was high in the sky and shining brightly. We had a beautiful environment to walk through our way to Jackson.

We passed the Webster-Jackson split. From the trail split to the summit there are a few extended steep pitches. 

Roughly a half mile below the summit we made a brief stop when the first of several Gay Jays arrived. We decided to make friends with them by feeding them. The jays jumped into action. Having a bird sitting on your hand and trying to see how much food can fit in its mouth is entertaining. Eventually we continued to the summit. They stayed with us to the summit.  Right below the ledges we put on an extra layer and some even put on a face mask. We finished the climb without snowshoes and had no real problems with the final section on the ledges. 

The conditions were outstanding; still a clear sky. However the temperature was now 20 degrees with 23mph winds, gusting to 37mph. It was cold but the sun really helped. We found a spot to shelter ourselves a bit from the wind. We got our usual summit pictures and some very nice view pictures. 

We enjoyed the views and it was time to GO. Leaving is always more difficult, especially from Jackson. We made our way off the summit ledges and were able to minimize stepping off to the side of the trail for post-holing. Not bad! 

The exit hike was completely uneventful, except for meeting more Gray Jays on the descent. We made our way back to the Highland Center, quickly packed our things into the truck, where most members came back to my house for a delicious dinner prepared by Jon.  

Join our GetWinter Hikes designed to get you into winter hiking. This is it! The 4,000 footer you've been training for.

Note: There will not an official lunch break on this trip. You should have eaten lunch before we started.

We will be hiking Mt. Jackson [4,052 feet] via the Webster-Jackson Trail and returning back down the same way. The total distance covered is 5.2 miles, it should take approximately 4 hours and the elevation gain is 2,150 feet. The view of Washington, Willard and the Dry River Wilderness is excellent ... one of the best in the White Mountains. 

From the parking area we'll soon reach a spur trail to Elephant Head, an open ledge with good views of the Notch and area above Gateway. The trail alternates between easy traverses and steep pitches. Once we take the Mt. Jackson branch of the trail, we will climb at a moderate grade, with many twists and turns, crossing three small branches of Silver Cascade Brook. We continue to climb beside open 'fir wave' of dead trees where we get to see the summit cone of Mt. Jackson. The final pitch has several fairly difficult hand-and-foot pitches, ending with scrambling up open slabs to the top; this section can get very icy if there is a lack of snow so having MicroSpikes is essential. 

Snowshoes and MicroSpikes are a must!! We highly recommend having goggles, something to cover your neck [scarf, neck gaiter, balaclava] and face [face mask] to protect yourself from frostbite in the event we encounter strong, sub-zero wind chills.

After the hike we can hang out by the fireplace at my house in Waterville Valley for pizza/beer (sharing costs). Your welcome to bring a change of clothing and take a shower.

Event Coordinators: Mike Boisvert and Jon Normand

Lodging Option: I have 8 bunks available with linen for Saturday night at my house in Waterville Valley for $20 each night. You can use the kitchen facilities and store beverages/food in the fridge. I serve coffee in the morning and a continental breakfast. Contact me to RSVP. SPACE IS LIMITED TO EIGHT GUYS.