Jefferson-Adams-Madison

Randolph Path - Gulfside - Valley Way trails

March 6, 2010


We met at Tarry Ho and car pooled over to the Appilachia Parking area on Rte 2 where we arrived to find the lot filled and numerous cars parked on the road. Joining them we geared up while saying hello many others that we knew who were hiking Mt Madison today. With the forecast for a bluebird day we knew we wouldn't be alone.

While most of the others we saw took Valley Way to ascend, our goal was 3 peaks, starting with Jefferson, so we started up the Airline trail and followed the signs for the Randolph Path leading us to Crag Camp. Where ever possible we took trails that had been broken out, but many showed signs of only one or two setss of snowshoes.

Stopping for the views along the way we slowly made our way to the camp, and then above treeline. From here we took a beeline across the top of Castle Ravine towards Mt Jefferson in the deep soft snow. As we approached summit cone the winds started to pick up. We choose a route that would keep us blocked from the wind as much as possible to the summit. After taking in the views and summit photos we started to make our way down and over to Mt Adams.

Here the wind really picked up, knocking a few over from time to time and blowing at least one hat off from under a hood. Passing in front of Sam Adams we found relief from the wind and stopped to regroup and enjoy a snack. Then we were off to Mt Adams in two groups. All made it to the summit and headed down to Madison Hut.

At the hut only Tom C was interested in summitting Madison, so while the rest of the group started down to the cars, Tom and Bob ran up in time to see the sun setting, before joining the rest of the group. Later we would learn that many of the group we saw in the morning had turned back due to the high winds. Great job folks!

Directions to Trailhead
From Twin Mountain take Rte 115 East to Rte 2. Follow Rte 2 East, past the Water Wheel (good breakfast spot). Just past Lowes store/gas station, park at the Appilachia parking lot that is well marked on your right.

Length of Hike:
11:00 hours
14:00 miles



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