Mount Washington, NH Help/Suggestions?

**Craig2112** · 07-07-2010, 18:50

My buddy is planning a trip for us to climb Mount Washington. If feasible this would be my first opportunity to hammock outside my backyard.

Here's his suggested itinerary.

"We start at Pinkham Notch and hike 2.4 miles to Hermit Lake shelter were we can camp Friday. The next day is 4.1 miles to the summit on Tuckerman's Ravine trail and back- so Sat hike would be tough back to the camp area (8.2 miles round trip) and then out on Sunday."

Does anyone know if there is any place to hang near Hermit Lake shelter? Are there better alternatives to this plan? So far there are only 3 of us but it could be as many as 6-7. We're planning August 6-8.

**MAD777** · 07-07-2010, 19:05

You are still below the tree line at Hermit Lake. As I recall, it's mostly evergreens around there.

**Ramblinrev** · 07-07-2010, 19:16

Years ago I tried twice to do Mt. Washington. Each time the leader of the group refused to summit because of bad weather. Mt Washington is a cruel mistress. You are not out of snow possibilities at the summit even in August. Use caution no matter which route you take.

**Craig2112** · 07-07-2010, 22:12

The website for Mt. washington seemed a little vague with regards to where you could camp and where you couldn't. And I couldn't find any mention (positive or negative) of hammocks or attaching to trees.

I just didn't want to pack my hammock to find out I'd be sleeping in a shelter or worse—cramming into my friend's tent.

As for weather I think I'll be fine with the Superfly, Blackbird, 3 season Crowsnest (on order), and miscellaneous other gear and clothing.

I'd like to use this trip as a testbed for a longer trip later this year to the Smokies (with the same guys). Hangin' in the backyard is only going to get me so far and my social director/wife has us booked all the way through the summer.

I guess I just want to have all my ducks in a row (hammock wise) before I hang for the first time in front of my tent dwelling friends. To my knowledge they've never seen a camping hammock. So, if all goes well I could see them converting.

Rev, sorry to hear you never made it to the top. Cruel mistress indeed.

**psyculman** · 07-08-2010, 03:41

It snowed up there last week, if that is any help.

**Veto 65** · 07-08-2010, 04:54

If I remember right Hermit lodge pines are densly packed. I would think that it might be more feasible if you camp before Hermit Lodge. IMHO.

**Craig2112** · 07-08-2010, 07:33

First, thanks for the helpful responses. I really appreciate it.

So, is the consensus that hammocking is allowed near/around Hermit Lake shelter but I may be better off further away?

**tjm** · 07-08-2010, 10:49

AMC is in charge of the site and it is first come first serve

http://www.outdoors.org/lodging/camp...ke-shelter.cfm

You could call the AMC number on the page above and ask them if they have an official position.

I camped at 13 Falls last weekend [an AMC backcountry site] and I was able to hang over a hardended site. The caretaker was kewl about it. She wanted to see how the hammock set up and I made a point to say that my hammock was lower impact than the tents.

Please note that the Hermit Shelter is the only legal site in that drainage. The USFS is pretty strict about that.

Have you thought of hiking into the Great Gulf and summiting from that side? Many places to legally tent/ hang without paying cash.

As far as summiting, bring clothing layers appropriate for 20 deg F, be aware of your partners conditioning and stamina, and you should be fine.

See page 2 of this bouchure to see rules on legal backcountry camping.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/whit..._rules_web.pdf

The following restrictions apply to the Cutler River Drainage (Including Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines)
• No camping except at the Harvard Mountaineering Club Cabin (December 1 – March 31 only) and Hermit Lake Shelters [Fee charged]
• No wood or charcoal fires

**MAD777** · 07-08-2010, 19:56

I'll add that I do nothing but stealth camp in the White Mountians (or anywhere else for that matter) but, the area around Pinkham Notch and trail in the vicinity, are crawling with Rangers.

I agree that the trails coming up from the north side, including the Great Gulf are gorgeous!

**bryce1201** · 05-29-2013, 15:24

Does anyone have any update on this? I'll be doing a trip up there and hope to bring my hammock as well.

Seems they charge $15 and have lean-tos and platforms, but I want to be sure I can hang.

Thanks!