Castle Ravine and Emerald Bluff - Good Combo

[J&J]

Back on June 19 I hiked the Castle Ravine trail and then did some loopy action around the summit of Mt. Jefferson. On July 19 I hiked up to Emerald Bluff which sits on Israel Ridge and has a great view into Castle Ravine. The pictures are a combination of both hikes.

Emerald Bluff would be an outstanding hike in and of itself, no need to go any higher. I had the bluff to myself and it was very peaceful and what a view into the ravine. I could have hung out there for hours. If you ever find yourself with some time for a sweet seven mile round trip hike, consider a hike to Emerald Bluff.

Close-up of Emerald Bluff from the Castle Ravine trail.

View into Castle Ravine from the bluff.

The Castle Ravine trail goes right up the long rocky section in the center of the picture, to the col.

The Castle Ravine trail crosses this avalanche debris that came down in late winter of 2010.

Climbing the rocks.

High up in the ravine, Emerald Bluff can be seen to the right as the high knob on Israel Ridge.

Climbing more rocks.

Approaching the col.

Just over the headwall of the ravine into a little meadow with several wildflowers blooming.

The end is near. Trail signs ahead.

Blooming Mountain Heath.

One of my favorite wildflowers, Moss Plant.

Two fun and rewarding hikes well worth the effort expended.

John

 

[peakbagger]

Looks like you can get your RMC 100 patch one of these days. A lot of the RMC lesser used trails go to some interesting spots. (although the former viewpoints sometimes have grown in to the point that they arent).

 

[Tom Rankin]

Dang, it must be great to be retired!

Great pics, as usual!

 

[J&J]

Looks like you can get your RMC 100 patch one of these days. A lot of the RMC lesser used trails go to some interesting spots. (although the former viewpoints sometimes have grown in to the point that they arent).

Re: RMC 100, very soon........

You're right about former viewpoints. This one came to mind immediately, the Eye of the Needle along the Four Soldiers Path. So many young trees have grown up that the view is difficult to see and this was in November 2010 after the leaves had fallen.

The sign and the view:

 

[J&J]

Dang, it must be great to be retired!

It is Tom, it is.

 

[Bob Kittredge]

I'd been up the Castle Ravine Trail a couple times, but about three years ago I decided I liked the description of the Emerald Bluff Trail and thought I'd have a go. I planned a rather circuitous route involving Israel Ridge, the Link, Emerald Bluff, the Perch and Randolph Path. The last place I expected to meet other hikers was on Emerald, but as I started up, I turned around and found myself nose to nose with a two friendly dogs and a couple who'd just come down the Link after spending the night up on Castle Ridge.

I was a little disappointed with the trail itself, having read the White Mountain Guide description and psyched myself up for a challenging climb. It was easy to follow and offered only a couple easy scrambles. Nice views from the Bluff, though there were clouds sitting down on the upper part of Castle Ridge. Nice day.

 

[forestgnome]

Nice TR and pics! Nice pic of the mountain heath