marty
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- Apr 9, 2004
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Decided it was time to try a different approach up Tumbledown. This mountain had previously beaten me twice and I wanted to at least get the West Peak.
The first time I went there, I started by hiking up Little Jackson (awesome) and then cut over the Pond Link Trail to Tumbledown Pond, with hopes of doing the East and West Peaks. Unfortunately, my dog ripped up the pads of her paws on the ledges by the pond and I had to essentially carry her down the Parker Ridge Trail.
The second time I went up the Brook Trail with my wife. We were sitting on the East Peak when a pop up storm hit, thowing high winds, heavy rain and hail at us. We high tailed it down the slippery summit (butt sliding frequently) and called it a day.
I was determined to hit West Peak this third time . Headed up the Loop Trail about 6 am. It was warm and a bit muggy. Immediately ran into major black flies. Put on the Deet, put on the head net and continued onward. Trail is blazed in yellow at first, then inexplicably changes to a faded blue. Easy to follow all the way to the Great Ledges, which is a cool ledge walk about half way into the hike. Meandered around there and finally found the trail way over to the right. There ARE faded blue trail signs on the right in this area. You just need to squint to see them.
I then headed up a couple of really steep sections to an open area a bit below the summit. The trail signs fade and you're not sure if this is the infamous cave in front of you, or if it is further up and you are supposed to take a different path. After a little deliberation, I decided to climb up a shelf and get into the tiny cave to check it out. Once in it, I looked to the left, totally dark. Look to the right, I see a little light and see three rungs drilled into the cave walls. Knew this was the right place. Stepped on the first rung and tossed my trekking poles and pack outside the cave and then using the other rungs, I proceeded to climb out of it. There is a fun rock scramble right after that that leads up to the Tumbledown Ridge.
Decided to tag West Peak first and did so without incident. GORGEOUS VIEWS and refreshing 35 mph winds from the southwest that cooled me down just right. Should be tons of blueberries around that summit there in a few weeks. Then it was on to East Peak. That peak is really special, looking over the Pond and Webb Lake. I wanted to do the North Peak bushwhack, but decided not to push my luck. This will be my primary target next time I go.
I then headed down the same way without incident. Other than the cave being a challenge once again, it really was a pretty easy trail to descend.
Did not see anyone on the ascent and summit walks. Saw a few parties heading up while I descended. Hope they all had as much success and fun as I did. All in all, it was an awesome hike. Not only did I FINALLY get to do West Peak, but I also got to see 5 early morning moose on Route 17, between Oquossoc and Byron. Got back to camp at 10:00 for an early cool off wim in Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Thanks to all the VFTTers for their valuable input on this hike. It really helped folks! Marty
The first time I went there, I started by hiking up Little Jackson (awesome) and then cut over the Pond Link Trail to Tumbledown Pond, with hopes of doing the East and West Peaks. Unfortunately, my dog ripped up the pads of her paws on the ledges by the pond and I had to essentially carry her down the Parker Ridge Trail.
The second time I went up the Brook Trail with my wife. We were sitting on the East Peak when a pop up storm hit, thowing high winds, heavy rain and hail at us. We high tailed it down the slippery summit (butt sliding frequently) and called it a day.
I was determined to hit West Peak this third time . Headed up the Loop Trail about 6 am. It was warm and a bit muggy. Immediately ran into major black flies. Put on the Deet, put on the head net and continued onward. Trail is blazed in yellow at first, then inexplicably changes to a faded blue. Easy to follow all the way to the Great Ledges, which is a cool ledge walk about half way into the hike. Meandered around there and finally found the trail way over to the right. There ARE faded blue trail signs on the right in this area. You just need to squint to see them.
I then headed up a couple of really steep sections to an open area a bit below the summit. The trail signs fade and you're not sure if this is the infamous cave in front of you, or if it is further up and you are supposed to take a different path. After a little deliberation, I decided to climb up a shelf and get into the tiny cave to check it out. Once in it, I looked to the left, totally dark. Look to the right, I see a little light and see three rungs drilled into the cave walls. Knew this was the right place. Stepped on the first rung and tossed my trekking poles and pack outside the cave and then using the other rungs, I proceeded to climb out of it. There is a fun rock scramble right after that that leads up to the Tumbledown Ridge.
Decided to tag West Peak first and did so without incident. GORGEOUS VIEWS and refreshing 35 mph winds from the southwest that cooled me down just right. Should be tons of blueberries around that summit there in a few weeks. Then it was on to East Peak. That peak is really special, looking over the Pond and Webb Lake. I wanted to do the North Peak bushwhack, but decided not to push my luck. This will be my primary target next time I go.
I then headed down the same way without incident. Other than the cave being a challenge once again, it really was a pretty easy trail to descend.
Did not see anyone on the ascent and summit walks. Saw a few parties heading up while I descended. Hope they all had as much success and fun as I did. All in all, it was an awesome hike. Not only did I FINALLY get to do West Peak, but I also got to see 5 early morning moose on Route 17, between Oquossoc and Byron. Got back to camp at 10:00 for an early cool off wim in Mooselookmeguntic Lake.
Thanks to all the VFTTers for their valuable input on this hike. It really helped folks! Marty
