Mt Jefferson, a different way 6/26

[Double Bow]

I guess a Southern Presidential traverse wasn't enough for me this past weekend. On Sunday, Shammie and I headed out to hit Big Jeff. Since I will be doing another trip there in August via the Caps and Castles loop, I didn't want to do it that way but, I did want to do some recon work.

Since we would only be takeing one car and I perfer ridges to ravines, our course was strange but obvious. We went Castle to Israel Ridge to Perch to Randolph to Gulfside to Loop and then all the way down Castle.

Castle to Israel Ridge was pleasant except for it being so hot. On the way up Israel Ridge we stopped at the cascades and took some pics. Shammie was kind of feeling a bit slow due to the heat but, as usual, she did a great job. Once we reached the Perch trail, we decided to go check out the shelter even though it wasn't part of the original plan. We took a break there and decided that it made more sense to continue on the Perch to randolph rather than to double back.

We found Randolph to be very pleasant but, looking up at Adams, Shammie wondered about my selection of routes. However, she understood when she took a look into Castle Ravine and across the ravine at the ridge. The views were great.

As we made our way up to the summit, she had a hard time keeping up as we rock hopped our way up. At the summit, we took a much needed rest and some pics. it was really cool being up near Adams again. This was my first time in the Northern Presidentials in almost 12 years!

The way down was slow as we did more rock hopping and negotiated the castles. We were very relieved when we got to the juction with The Link. From there, it was smooth sailing as we raced down parts of the trail and happily made it back to Israel River. As we were coming out into the high grasses near the parking lot, it was dusk and there were more fireflies than either of us had ever seen. It was amazing and a fantastic way to end a fantastic weekend!

 

[SherpaKroto]

DoubleBow: Interesting that you went up Isreal Ridge and down Castle. I would do the reverse (but that's just me). Jefferson is a magical mountain!

 

[Double Bow]

SK, I choose to come down Castle due to the fact that I'm doing the Caps and Castles loop in August and since I'll be coming down Castle then (doing the loop counterclockwise), I figured I'd try it out so I would know what to expect later. Do you think that loop (C & C) is easier clockwise or counterclockwise?

It was a very cool trip and I was glad to have done it.

DB: #43/48
Shammie: #36/48

 

[SherpaKroto]

For me, Clockwise, but only because I prefer to climb than descend (until my knee started acting up, it was the reverse). Ending on Caps is nice as you take one last look at the mountains at whirlpool rock (I think that's what it's called), and then 30 minutes later you are at your car. The Castles look more impressive ascending IMHO. But... either way is an awesome hike.

I need to get to Castle Ravine and finish Israel Ridge.

 

[jjo]

Thanks for the report. I've always done Caps ridge etc and loved it but a different approach sounds interesting...Thanks