Just curious enough to ask, has anyone here attempted the elusive SCar Ridge West Peak bushwhack by hiking to the summit of Loon Mountain and working your way east? Everything I read about the West Peak bushwhack indicates that it is a masochist's labor of love if attempted from East Pond, but I haven't seen anyone write about using an approach from Loon. Words of wisdom from any veterans (or failed attempt victims) would be mucho appreciated...
Scar ridge bushwhack question
- Thread starter dRitter
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I was in NH the day after Thanksgiving with the intention of climbing Scar Ridge from Big Rock campground on the Kanc. I spent a good half an hour studying the route and have to say it looks far preferable to the pictures I've seen of the Little East Pond approach. The route is steep but straightforward and I was able to satisfactorily confirm in my own pea brain previous reports I'd read about the woods being more open on the north side. In the end, it didn't feel right to me on the day in question - being a soloist, I always go with my gut and it seemed a little too cold, icy and windy towards the top (OK, I wimped out 
). Anyway, I'll probably hit Scar Ridge in the spring from this direction. Also, regarding the Loon route, the spruce definitely seemed thicker from that direction as I had considered that option as well.
I do defer, however, to post'r boy's expertise on the mountain.
). Anyway, I'll probably hit Scar Ridge in the spring from this direction. Also, regarding the Loon route, the spruce definitely seemed thicker from that direction as I had considered that option as well. I do defer, however, to post'r boy's expertise on the mountain.
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John H Swanson
Active member
Did it this way 2 or 3 times, but years ago.
From little east pond, cross the outlet, then countour on the 3600 line going roughly west until to get to the "E" in little east pond. You'll see it there, it's written on the ground. Then go NW to the spur ridge. Follow this Northish up to the "3600" on the topo. On the top there were herd paths. It's nearly open woods except for some trees near the outlet stream. You can do it by this route in shorts.
JHS
From little east pond, cross the outlet, then countour on the 3600 line going roughly west until to get to the "E" in little east pond. You'll see it there, it's written on the ground. Then go NW to the spur ridge. Follow this Northish up to the "3600" on the topo. On the top there were herd paths. It's nearly open woods except for some trees near the outlet stream. You can do it by this route in shorts.
JHS
For outstanding photos of the Little East Pond approach from this summer, check out Bob and Geri's website ... they always post their web address at the bottom of their posts on VFTT. Everything I've read (including Gene Daniell's "Routes") indicates that this approach has grown in quite a bit over the last handful of years. Bob and Geri report a 7-hour roundtrip from Little East Pond and it appears pretty thick although not obnoxious.
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I did it from Loon some years ago. It wasn't too bad, but there was a lot of swimming through youngish balsams. There's a herd path from the top of the ski lift that you can follow for a while till it bends towards Black Mountain. And heed the advice to stay on the northern side of the ridge. We wandered too far south on the way back and it took much longer to come down.
