Category Archives: White Mountain National Forest

Mt. Washington

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white_mountains_alpine_gardenMt Washington, located in the White Mountain National Forest, is the highest peak in New England at 6,288 ft. or 1,917m. While not particularly tall, the climate can be harsh. The fastest recorded wind gusts on the surface of the Earth were measured here on April 12th 1934: 231 mph or 372 km/h. Winters temperatures are extreme, reaching to below –40º. Even in the summer, the summit temperatures are rarely above the mid 50sºF, about 12ºC. And when you visit, there is a good chance of rain or snow.

The mountain was originally known to the Abenaki as Agiocochook, “Home of the Great Spirit.” The spirit of the revered Abenaki chief Passaconaway was said to have ascended into heaven from this peak.

This view is from just below the summit near Nelson Crag. Alpine Garden and the head of Tuckerman Ravine are just below. Click on the image for a larger view.

White Mountain National Forest

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white_mountains_crystal_riverThe White Mountain National Forest is one of the largest wilderness areas in New England, covering 1,225 sq. miles or 3,039 km². While many come to this area for the mountains, there is plenty to explore below the peaks. Ellis River runs off Mt. Washington and down Pinkham Notch. Click on the image for a larger view.

Crawford Notch State Park, NH

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white_mountains_saco_riverThe White Mountains in New Hampshire is home to Crawford Notch State Park. The park is in the middle of one of the largest national wilderness areas in New England, the White Mountain National Forest. This area is known for its beauty and weather; rain and snow are a constant threat in these mountains. Crawford Notch is also the source for the Saco River that follows through Maine and into the Atlantic Ocean. Click on the image for a larger view.

Cumulonimbus

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white_mountains_cloudscapeCumulonimbus: a heap of luminous clouds, at least that is how the latin is translated. While the reference to a heap (cumulus) sounds a little undignified for these massive structures, the luminosity or halo of saints or supernatural beings (nimbus) reflects their magic. And when mortals are left in dark valleys at the end of the day, these clouds seem to generate their own light. Click on the image for a larger view.

Alpine Gardens, Mt. Washington

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mt_washington_alpine_gardensJust below the summit of Mt. Washington in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire is a place called the Alpine Garden. A trail between the heads of Tuckerman Ravine and Huntington Ravine takes you through this rich alpine meadow. This image is taken from the top of Huntington Ravine looking south into Pinkham Notch. Click on the image for a larger view.

Swift River

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moon_riverThe Swift River in the White Mountains National Park in New Hampshire follows the path of the Kancamagus Highway. The moonlight illuminates the coursing water and polished stone. The interplay between these two elements reveals their shared destiny. Both creating and destroying their mutual forms.swift_riverClicking on the images will enlarge them.