MOUNT FLUME FULL
In full winter they’re likely completely buried, which can add difficulty on the descent.
MOUNT FLUME SERIES
The upper portion of the mountain is a series of switchbacks with ladders on the steep parts that were mostly covered by snow. A little more snow and they’ll be hidden until spring. The biggest issue, though slight, was hikers that had bare-booted the trail when the snow was still soft, leaving unsteady footing and the occasional post-hole foot trap. There are a couple rocky spots that were still uncovered and a little tricky with microspikes.
Hang a left just after the brook (also on the left) to enter the Osseo Trail, which begins nice and easy before gradually climbing an embankment. The Osseo Trail junction off the Lincoln Woods Trail. I even saw two men skijoring (Dad, Google it) behind huskies. In the winter this section of the trail is wide enough to fit a car (vehicles aren’t allowed) and is extremely popular for dog walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. This hike begins at the Lincoln Woods Visitor Center by crossing the footbridge and starting out on the Lincoln Woods Trail for 1.4 miles. The bridge crossing the East Branch of the Pemigewasset Wilderness from the Lincoln Woods Visitor’s Center. Given we haven’t had a lot of snow yet this year, the majority of the trail is hard-packed crust and ice, something I’ve recently seen described as “New England powder.” With these conditions I was able to scale the mountain without issue utilizing microspikes and trekking poles. Here there are a series of ladders that get buried in the winter, which makes for a good spot to utilize the heel bar on mountaineering snowshoes. The majority of the hike is gradual climbing with truly steep sections reserved for the top third of the mountain. The slide is best left for the most experienced winter mountaineers, and I figured it wasn’t a hike I should be doing solo…so Osseo it was! I wasn’t disappointed.Īt times when there’s ample snow, the Osseo Trail is perfectly suited for snowshoes. The trail’s name alone should tell you all you need to know about it’s viability for a winter hike. It’s also worth noting that the path least traveled by in the winter is the Flume Slide Trail. Alas, I’d done the Liberty Springs winter hike before, so it had less appeal for me. This is the way to go for anyone looking to efficiently knock two 4,000-footers off their winter peak bagging list as both mountains can be bagged in less miles than the Osseo route. The most popular route is a two-peak combo via the Liberty Springs Trail up Mt. Flume’s quick access to the highway, ample parking, and popular, reliable hiking route that made it easy to predict the conditions, all played a part in my selection of this hike. I was also on the daycare pickup clock, so Mt. Flume offers an ideal early-season winter hike to break-in your snow hiking legs with a moderate (by White Mountains’ standards) 11-mile trek via the Osseo, Lincoln Woods and Franconia Ridge trails. Thanks for this wonderful site.Įnter your email address to follow Hike Mt Shasta and receive notifications of new posts by email.11 miles round trip (including Lincoln Woods Trail and the Franconia Ridge Trail) I would like to stay in the area at least a week to get a window of a few acceptable, clear days. My main concern at this early stage is whether there are vacancies at Helen Lake or Horse Camp? How far ahead of time do I need to set a reservation. As I get closer to the date (probably next year) I am sure I will have very specific questions. So for now I am in the planning phase, and just want to make sure I do everything the right way. My plan would be to hike day 1 to Helen Lake or Horse Camp. I read that Clear Creek and Avalanche Gulch are most suitable for those who are novice to the area. I have read that the best time to hike is June through October, and I understand there are permit fees, etc. I have all the gear for winter hiking that I’ve used in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, I run at least 3 to 4 miles a day, lift 2 to 3 days a week, and hike whenever I get a chance. So bottom line – Before I hit 60 (currently 58), I want to hike this impressive mountain. Shasta, which has been very helpful, but your site really brings it to life. One of my goals is to hike out West and Shasta seems to be calling my name. I have completed the Northeast 111 (New England and ADKs 4000 footers). First, your site is awesome, which makes me want to hike Shasta all the more.
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