Interior Outpost/Avalanch Pass Hike Opinions

[Buddur]

WOW, I just signed in and the Welcome field it states I last visited on 11-3-2005...1 year and 1 day ago. Can I get some comments regarding a hike I will be doing in a few weeks?

I plan to do a few loops during Nov 15-18 and will hiking in from the DAK Loj and be camping in the Marcy Brook area at one of the lean-to's upstream of the Outpost toward Avalanch pass. The first day, do the loop consisting of Wright, Algonquin and Iroquois via trails 67>64>71>68. And the second day do a loop of Colden, Table Top and Phelps via trails 68>70>74>73>63>61. (trail numbers taken from map provided with the AMC High Peaks guidebook)

I'd like to get some opinions/suggestions/recommendations regarding these plans from those who have hiked this area and these loops (ie. stay at a particular lean-to, do the loop the other direction, watch out for..., etc.)?

I've hiked 20 peaks so far, most of them solo with my dog and a few trips in the Winter, but it's been a while since I've been to the Daks. This time I'm leaving the dog at home and bringing my girlfriend who has never hiked the area before, so I want this to be special as she really is looking forward to it (and me too).

Thanks!
Tom

 

[peak_bgr]

Tom

Wright, Algonguin, and Iroquois is perfect for a day hike. Be sure to check out Shepherd's Tooth just a short distance beyond Iroquois. There's a herd path over to it, well defined, but a little tight.

When you descend to Lake Colden from the Iroquois, Algonquin col, beware it's very steep, and will be very slippery. There's snow and ice up there right now, by next weekend who knows how much.

Bring plenty of extra clothes, and I mean plenty. It will be wet, with snow melting off the trees. Gortex right now is very dependable. Camp anywhere you can find, because it's dark early now. All the sites are pretty nice along Lake Colden. Beware it's a very popular place for bears. I doubt they're sleeping yet. Bring a canister it's the law now. The fine is pretty hefty, and they could ask you to leave without one. If you don't have one you can rent them at EMS and I think the Mountaineer. Actually, maybe even at the Loj-but not sure.

Day two is a great traverse as well. Tabletop herd path is usually a river, and if snow is melting it could be even worse. Sounds like a great weekend, what are you going to do with the other two days.

Alot of elevation change there, especially with a full pack. Leave the big pack at the base of Wright, Iroquois, Tabletop, and Phelps. But that's a no brainer. Have fun

 

[Buddur]

Thank You Very Much!

Great info, this was what I was hoping for. I didn't know that about the canisters. Nor did I know of the Shepherd's Tooth.

We will be hiking in Wed, dayhiking the loops the next two days, then hiking out and getting a hotel room on Saturday.

Thank you very much, peak_bgr, this info really helps.
Tom