MOUNT STARR KING/MOUNT WAUMBEK WINTER HIKE

So why would we choose the coldest day, so far this winter, to do a hike in the whites?   See answer below.

The 5 of us started out on our journey bundled up and with just a little trepidation (ok, maybe that was just me).

Temperatures ranged from the low single digits at the base and went down from there as we climbed.  Reported wind chill factor was in the -20 degree range at the summits.  The trail, for the most part, had a good base - snow mixed with leaves at the start; turning to icy conditions;  then finally packed snow.  A bit of everything.  We definitely need more snow.

We made good timing reaching the summits - mostly because every time we stopped the cold would "sink in".  Our motto was "keep moving".  With a little help from our hand-warmers & foot-warmers (who ever invented those was a genius) we did fine.  The one issue, many of us had, was keeping our water supply from freezing up.

Once reaching the Starr King summit we went immediately on to Waumbek then back to Starr King - where we had lunch made up of frozen sandwiches and snacks. We tried out Jim's orange blob at lunch - that worked pretty well to cut the chill (see the blob photo).  Needless to say, with the cold temps, it was a short lunch before heading back down.  After a quick descent we gathered at our vehicles for hot beverages, cookies & brownies (my favorite part of the hike).

It was a great hike with lively conversation - ranging from the weather, movies, gossip and more weather talk,

So, to answer the initial question of why do it...  Ok there really is no answer we just wanted to get your attention.  Did it work?

A moderate climb through fine woods reaches Mt. Starr King and Mt. Waumbek with fine views of the Presidential Range!

The trail is generally fairly easy all the way up, with moderate grades. At 2.6 miles we’ll reach the Mt. Starr King [3907’] summit with a partly cleared view near a former shelter of the Presidential Range. We follow the ridge crest for another mile to reach the summit of Mt. Waumbek. Mt. Waumbek wooded summit [4,006 feet] doesn't offer views, but just past it there are fine views of the Presidential Range from a blowdown patch.

Stats: 7.2 miles, 2800' gain.   

Gear should include: insulated winter boots, MicroSpikes, wind/rain proof outer layers, wicking layers [no cotton], wool hat, gloves, handwamers, water, lunch, etc. We may need snowshoes, but that will depend if we’ve had a snowstorm the week prior to the hike.  

Our house is about a 10-15 minute drive from the trailhead. You are welcome to meet at our house afterwards for hot chocolate and cookies.