Mt. Flume Hike via Osseo Trail

Our first spring 4K hike!  We got summit temps at the 50s and valley temps in the 60s. 

Phil started out a half hour ahead of us in case he slowed the group down. Overall, we were a group of ten. We started the hike crossing the large suspension footbridge over wide, rocky, raging East Branch of Pemigewasset River, one of the premier wilderness streams in the White Mountains! On the other side we had easy walking along the wide Lincoln Woods trail; a level bed of J.E. Henry’s East Branch and Lincoln Railroad [1893-1948], with many hemlock ties astride the trail.

About a half hour into the hike we took a left turn onto the Osseo Trail that follows the Osseo Brook.  After the rock steps, at around 3,000 feet we began to encounter snow so we put on our MicroSpikes. Some of us with shorts brought our gaiters in case we postholed into the snow and we were glad we did! For the guys who didn’t, they ended up cutting up their legs. We did well keeping to the middle of the monorail but sometimes we postholed off the sides of it. 

We encountered Phil before reaching the ladders who decided to turn around after seeing postholes that swallowed hikers up to their waist. We encouraged him to continue since there was safety in numbers.   

The ladders were covered with sinking snow; grip wasn't a problem.

At the top of a long ladder we had a memorable view into the Pemi Wilderness, including Mt. Flume’s summit close by, Mt. Garfield, the great crouching mass of Owl’s Head, Galehead Mtn., North Twin, South Twin, Mt. Guyot, West Bond, Mt Bond and the great craggy Bondcliff!

We reached the upper, flatter portion of the trail. The snow was soft and deep, and it was a struggle to get through it since the monorail was not all that evident. Our pace slowed. Phil was thinking of turning around with all the postholing but I lent him one of my poles to gain his confidence.  I told him to take his time and keep on truckin'.  The day was warm and as a group we were going strong!  

We made it to the intersection with the Flume Slide Trail and continued toward the summit.

I think this was the first time some GO members reached this peak!

There are dramatic views across the face of crags to upper Franconia Ridge peaks and an impressive look down scree-filled gully! 

It was lovely and breezy above treeline.  We sat, conversed, ate lunch, and admired the views.  Eventually, we picked ourselves up and made our way down.

Progress on the flat bits between the Flume Slide Trail and the Osseo ladders was, again, slow – we had to move carefully so as not to constantly sink. 

Life became much easier once we got to the ladders.  Once we got to the bare sections of trail, walking no longer became an issue.

As we crossed the suspension bridge at the finish, we were treated by kayakers paddling by. We made it back to the trailhead around 4:45pm. Back at the Mad River Lodge, we relaxed on the deck, enjoyed a delicious meal cooked by Jon and wrapped up watching a movie up in the loft.

Many congrats to GO members who summited Mt. Flume for the first time. Many, many thanks to all for their good company on the trail! 

Trip Report by Mike Boisvert
Photos by Jon Normand

The Osseo Trail ascent of Mt. Flume has to rank as one of the “easier” 4,000-foot climbs in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. 

You've done your taxes, now it's time to celebrate! We'll skip the Flume Slide Trail and hike from the East up the Osseo Trail. This is a fantastic trail that gradually flanks the mountain from inside the Pemi. It does have some steep pitches as we near the summit. The hike starts at the Lincoln Woods parking lot off the Kanc. We cross Lincoln Brook and proceed 1.5 miles to where the Osseo Trail bears left toward Flume.

It begins up some logging roads and zigzagging up the ridge toward Flume. Upper sections of trail are steep and negotiated by several woodend staircases; it has been reported that there are 396 rock and wooden steps on Osseo Trail. There are memorable views from the ladders into Pemi Wilderness. We will travel 4 miles to where Osseo meets the Flume Slide Trail and then a short section to the rocky summit.

Roundtrip:  11.2 miles

Elevation gain: 3150 feet

Estimated Time:   7 to 8 hours

Please be prepared for an early Spring hike. Make sure to bring Microspikes in case we encounter ice and snow near the summit. You should be prepared with layers, gloves, hat and other gear. We will check the weather to ensure we are prepared for this hike. Bring along plenty of water (at least 2 liters), lunch, snacks and anything else you may require for a day hike. 

Boston Area Carpooling: Save money by sharing gas/toll expenses and get to know fellow GO members better! Don't be shy...contact other Bostonians to find a convenient location for you to meet such as a T-Stop, Commuter Line Stop, or a parking lot of a store familiar to you all! Don't forget to tip the driver! 

Afterwards:  Everyone is welcome to join us back at our house in Waterville Valley to relax by our fireplace [BYOB and bring snacks] followed by one of Jon's delicious dinners. We ask $10 per person to help pay for our food costs. Showers are available so bring a change of clothing to make your visit with us more comfortable.

Lodging Option: Bunk beds are available at our house [with Wi Fi] near Waterville Valley, NH for Friday and/or Saturday nights. It's $25 for Friday night, $35 for Saturday that includes dinner or $60 for the weekend. Coffee/bagels each morning and linen/blankets/towels are provided. Space is limited so email ASAP to reserve a bunk!