Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Mount Washington Ravines, Worldwide. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- New Hampshire, USA
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Alpine (1,900 m)
- Best season
- November – April
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Alpine (1,900 m)
- Best season: November – April
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Mount Washington Ravines
Topic summary
Huntington and Tuckerman — East Coast alpine ice climbing at its most serious.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: November – April
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Alpine (1,900 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Mount Washington Ravines trip tools
How to get there
Mount Washington is in Coös County, New Hampshire, in the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. The Mount Washington Auto Road approaches the summit from the east, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway ascends from the west. Confirm the appropriate starting point separately for a ravine outing.
- Mount Washington Auto Road
Eastern road access to the summit. Confirm operations and whether this access fits the intended outing; summit access is not the same as a confirmed ravine approach.
- Mount Washington Cog Railway
Rail access up the western slope to the summit. Verify service directly and do not rely on an unconfirmed train journey as a backcountry return plan.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Mount Washington Ravines
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Mount Washington Ravines
Wildlife guideBlack bearUrsus americanus
Big gameWhitetail DeerOdocoileus virginianus
GamefishBrook TroutSalvelinus fontinalis
Wildlife guideNorth American beaverCastor canadensis
Big gameBlack BearUrsus americanus
GamefishSmallmouth BassMicropterus dolomieu
Wildlife guideSnowshoe hareLepus americanus
Big gameWild HogSus scrofa
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Mount Washington RavinesAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Mount Washington Ravines
Planning to fish Mount Washington Ravines, New Hampshire? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in New Hampshire are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing license at Mount Washington Ravines?
- A New Hampshire fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current New Hampshire fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Mount Washington Ravines
Thinking about hunting Mount Washington Ravines, New Hampshire? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in New Hampshire are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Mount Washington Ravines?
- Confirm the land around Mount Washington Ravines is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in New Hampshire?
- A New Hampshire hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
The mountain behind the ravines
Mount Washington rises to 6,288.2 feet in New Hampshire’s Presidential Range, within the White Mountains. It is the highest peak in the northeastern United States, and its setting matters when planning a ravine outing: this is a mountain known for erratic weather, not simply a hiking destination with a high viewpoint. Nearly the entire mountain lies within White Mountain National Forest, while the summit and its immediate surroundings form Mount Washington State Park. Hiking and backcountry skiing are established activities here, but a summit trip and a ravine trip are different objectives. Choose the terrain and activity first, then confirm the precise approach and current conditions. A road or railway connection to the top does not establish access to a particular ravine.
Weather should shape the plan
Mount Washington’s weather deserves more attention than its elevation alone might suggest. The summit observatory recorded a wind speed of 231 mph on April 12, 1934, and the mountain remains known for unpredictable conditions. That historical measurement is not a forecast, but it helps explain why a flexible plan matters here. Check current mountain weather before setting out, carry protection against wind and changing temperatures, and be prepared to shorten the outing rather than force a summit objective. For a ravine visit, assess the intended terrain separately from the summit forecast and transport options. Backcountry skiing requires its own conditions assessment; the fact that skiing takes place on the mountain does not establish that a particular line is suitable on a given day.
Separate summit access from the outing
Mount Washington has several distinct ways to reach or approach its summit. The Appalachian Trail traverses the top, the Mount Washington Auto Road climbs from the east, and the Mount Washington Cog Railway ascends the western slope. These are useful geographic anchors, but they should not be treated as interchangeable starts for a ravine itinerary. Decide whether the day is about hiking, backcountry skiing, or visiting the summit by transport, and verify the details for that choice before departure. Confirm road and railway operations directly rather than assuming either will provide a return option. For land-access requirements, check with the managers of White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington State Park. Keep the return plan independent of unconfirmed transport availability.
Route options
- Appalachian Trail summit traverse
The Appalachian Trail traverses Mount Washington’s summit, providing a hiking option on the mountain. Select and verify a specific approach and return itinerary before departure; this is not a ravine-specific route description.
- Mount Washington Auto Road summit approach
The Auto Road climbs to the summit from the east. Treat it as a summit-access option rather than a described hiking or skiing route through the ravines, and confirm current operations before travel.
Sample itineraries
- Appalachian Trail summit day · 1 day
Plan a weather-dependent hike on the Appalachian Trail, which crosses Mount Washington’s summit. Confirm the approach, mileage and current conditions before committing to a day trip. Make reaching the summit optional; erratic weather and strong winds should determine the turnaround.
- Two-day weather-flexible visit · 2 days
Allow two days around Mount Washington rather than fixing a summit attempt to one day. Use the better forecast for a hike suited to the group. The Auto Road and Cog Railway offer other summit approaches, but confirm operating status separately and do not treat them as guaranteed exits.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent
Plan around current mountain conditions rather than the calendar. Mount Washington’s erratic weather makes flexible objectives, protective layers and a willingness to turn around important.
Summer
Conditions-dependent
Do not assume a summer visit means calm summit weather. Check the mountain forecast, carry wind protection and choose a hike that leaves room to retreat if conditions deteriorate.
Fall
Conditions-dependent
New England is known for fall foliage, but scenery should not drive summit decisions. Check current conditions and carry enough protection for a weather change at elevation.
Winter
Conditions-dependent
Backcountry skiing is an established activity on Mount Washington. Assess current conditions and personal skills before choosing an objective; the mountain’s reputation for erratic weather warrants conservative planning.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent | Plan around current mountain conditions rather than the calendar. Mount Washington’s erratic weather makes flexible objectives, protective layers and a willingness to turn around important. |
| Summer | Conditions-dependent | Do not assume a summer visit means calm summit weather. Check the mountain forecast, carry wind protection and choose a hike that leaves room to retreat if conditions deteriorate. |
| Fall | Conditions-dependent | New England is known for fall foliage, but scenery should not drive summit decisions. Check current conditions and carry enough protection for a weather change at elevation. |
| Winter | Conditions-dependent | Backcountry skiing is an established activity on Mount Washington. Assess current conditions and personal skills before choosing an objective; the mountain’s reputation for erratic weather warrants conservative planning. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, access and reservation requirements with White Mountain National Forest and Mount Washington State Park before visiting.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Extreme winds: Mount Washington’s summit has recorded winds of 231 mph. Treat strong-wind forecasts as a reason to change plans.
- Erratic weather: conditions can undermine a summit plan. Establish turnaround criteria before starting.
- Weather exposure at elevation: the summit rises above 6,288 feet. Carry protective layers rather than relying on conditions at your starting point.
What to pack for Mount Washington Ravines
- Windproof and waterproof outer layers
- Insulating layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Map and navigation tools for the chosen approach
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Emergency shelter
- Water for the planned outing
- Food and extra snacks
Mount Washington Ravines FAQ
- Where is Mount Washington?
- Mount Washington is in the Presidential Range of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, in Coös County. Nearly the whole mountain lies within White Mountain National Forest; the summit and surrounding area form Mount Washington State Park.
- How high is the summit?
- The summit is 6,288.2 feet above sea level, making Mount Washington the highest peak in the Northeastern United States.
- Does the Appalachian Trail reach the summit?
- Yes. The Appalachian Trail traverses the summit. Choose and verify a specific approach before planning mileage, timing or a turnaround point.
- Are there alternatives to hiking to the summit?
- The Mount Washington Cog Railway ascends the western slope, while the Mount Washington Auto Road climbs from the east. Confirm current operations before including either in a trip.
- What matters most when planning a visit?
- Weather should lead the plan. Mount Washington is known for erratic conditions and exceptional winds. Check the mountain forecast, carry protective equipment and be prepared to abandon a summit objective.
- Is backcountry skiing an activity here?
- Yes, backcountry skiing takes place on Mount Washington. A general destination overview is not enough to select a ravine descent; obtain current local conditions and route-specific guidance before committing.