Tucks & Lion Head

[MadRiver]

Dear Knowledgeable one:

My wife’s former coworker and several of his friends plan on hiking Washington in late July. Although I haven’t spoken with him as of yet, my wife indicates that he plans on hiking up Lion Head and down Tucks. The only problem I foresee with his intended route is a flow issue. Since 99% of hikers go up Tucks and down Lion Head, there could be a bottle neck issue near the head wall late in the day. Should I mention this issue to him, or do you see nothing wrong with his intended route?

 

[giggy]

there is nothing wrong with that plan - you will not be alone - but contrary to what many say - its a nice fun hike - I wouldn't worry about any bottleneck issues. Its a nice cut trail up the headwall. The hillary step - is ain't

you will be fine.

 

[sli74]

I did this the opposite way a few summers ago and it was fine. A lot of people but nothing terrible.

sli74

 

[David Metsky]

It's not that bad. As others have said it's a common route in either direction but you can get by without major issues.

-dave-

 

[jfb]

I came down Tuck's once against the tide and really enjoyed it. I found it interesting to see the variety of people who were heading uphill and said "Hi" to as many as possible. I only had one event where I was moving a foot onto a rock and had to change direction midstride because someone else got his foot there first.

 

[expat]

Similar, but on Knife Edge

I did something similar, but on Katahdin a few years ago. I went up Helon Taylor, and when I got to that thing after Pamola (can't recall the name) where there's 30' down and up, I had to do some quick climbing to get my chance to go.

there were also a couple of spots on the Knife Edge where I had to let a group or two go before I continued. I really didn't mind the short rest, though.

 

[king tut]

As long as they are not high strung, it will be fine. I am amazed by the people that go ballistic when they have to wait more than 2 minutes to pass someone. It's the freakin woods, there really aren't that many people. It might be more useful to warn them about the right roads to take around boston or wherever. Is there really going to be a cub scout pack of 50 kids in the way??