The alpine zone of the Presidential Range of the White Mountains, like all alpine areas, is a fascinating place. In this hostile, yet compelling environment grow some of New England’s most uncommon plants. Despite regular gale force winds, tiny amounts of soil, and temperatures that rarely get above freezing for 5 months of the year, native flora has found a way to survive. Join us for this two day- excursion to the south flank of Mount Washington, Mount Monroe, Monroe Flats and Oakes Gulf. Many of the plants grow nowhere else in New England.

The trip begins with a journey up the Mount Washington Auto Road with a stop at the Cow Pasture. After parking our vehicles at the summit we hike down the historic Crawford Path to Lakes of the Clouds Hut, our home for the evening of Day 1. We lunch at Lakes of the Clouds, deposit our non-botanical gear, and explore the lakes and the area around the hut, including the north side of Mount Monroe. We view (from the trail) the restoration area for the only plant to ever be taken off the federally endangered and threatened list and talk about the success of this project. Then it will be back to the hut for dinner, and afterwards a short hike to the top of Mount Monroe for the sunset (keep your fingers crossed).

Following breakfast on Day 2, we head south along Crawford Path to its intersection with the old Dry River Trail and drop into the top portion of Oakes Gulf and spend the morning and early afternoon botanizing to our hearts content. Oakes Gulf is a remote ravine on the south side of Mount Washington, with a great diversity of alpine and sub-alpine species. We then head back to Lakes of the Clouds hut for a quick lunch, and hike back to the summit and journey down the auto road.

The species we will see are far too numerous to list. Suffice it to say….you won’t be disappointed. Transportation to the summit is by carpool among the participants. The instructor is willing to drive a group up, but 2 other participants will need to volunteer to drive up as well. Details about what to bring and a more detailed itinerary will be sent out to participants a month in advance of the trip. The hiking is rigorous, but not strenuous and can be tackled by anyone in good health. The trip is also weather dependent.

Details: Fee includes one night’s lodging at AMC’s Lakes of the Clouds Hut, dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2, and the fee for the Mt. Washington Auto Road. Lunch on both days will be up to each participant. Registration includes a $50 non-refundable fee.