Mount Washington, NH is the highest peak in the northeast at 6288 feet. Its enduring presence can be felt throughout the valley that bears its name, a monument and reminder of the presence of rugged nature outside our doors. In one spot it spreads out in a splendid scenic vista, in another it is glimpsed through a thick forest of pine. It appears and disappears at the whim of the weather, sometimes emerging above the clouds like a brilliant Shangri-La. In fact, the Native Americans revered its peak as a sacred place.
The icon of the Mount Washington scenic vista has been repeated over and over in thousands of artist renditions, postcards, and millions of tourist photographs. So, where can you experience the ultimate Mount Washington view? Where can you capture the photo that will bring back memories of your vacation every time you look at it? Here is a list of our ten favorite vantage points for viewing Mount Washington.
Intervale Scenic Overlook
This is an all-time favorite vista of Mount Washington, a view favored by artists and photographers for over 150 years. Famous White Mountain School painters, Kensett and Champney both painted famous canvases of this viewpoint up the valley from a similar vantage point at Sunset Hill which is now obscured by trees. The visitor's center at the Overlook is currently under renovation and is scheduled for completion in Summer 2007.
Mount Washington Hotel Grand Veranda
Nothing will transport your imagination back to the era of the Grand Hotel like a visit to the Grand Veranda of the Mount Washington Hotel. Just blink your eyes and envision 19th century ladies in long skirts and parasols strolling with gentlemen in blue blazers and boaters. The view of Mount Washington's Western flank on a clear day is stunning. On a hot summer day you can contemplate the vista over a cool glass of ice tea or the beverage of your choice. Hotel personnel will take your order as you lounge in the wicker chairs that dot the porch.
Summit of Wildcat Mountain
This vista is accessible to all by a short gondola ride from the base lodge of the Wildcat Mountain Ski Area. You are rewarded at the top with a spectacular view of the Eastern Slope of Mount Washington, Tuckerman's Ravine, and Huntington Ravine. The Mount Washington Auto Road is visible winding up the right side of the mountain and you will see the black puffs of smoke from The Cog Railway as the train reaches the summit. The eastward view from the top also affords a great view. On a clear day you can see to the Atlantic Ocean.
Top of the Flying Bear Lift at Attitash Mountain
Mount Washington is first glimpsed about half way up the lift ride for the Bear Peak Ski Area. Once you are at the top the white glistening peak stands out against the blue sky. Mount Washington is in view for most of the top half of the Wandering Skis trail, but make sure you don't hit a tree as you enjoy the view. The view can also be enjoyed in the summer. Attitash has an Alpine Slide and mountain biking at the resort area in the summer.
Fire Tower on Mount Kearsarge North
A 6 mile round trip, moderately strenuous hike is the payment for this great view of Mount Washington. Mount Kearsarge, also called Mount Pequawket, is the site of the a fire tower that is listed in the National Historic Fire Lookout Register, although it is no longer used to spot fires. The AMC White Mountain Guide calls this view one of the finest in the White Mountains. The glassed in tower affords a great view out of the elements in any season.
Northern View from Route 2
All along this northern part of the circle of roads that surround Mount Washington spectacular views of the Presidential Range spread out before your eyes. Mount Madison, Adams, and Jefferson are in the foreground with the summit of Mount Washington marked by the radio towers on top looms in the background behind them.
Conway Meadow Overlook
One of the first good views of Mount Washington as you approach the Valley from the South on Route 16 is the Conway Meadow Overlook. The rich sweep of verdant fields pushes up the Intervale area toward the mountain. A pull out area on the west side of the road has a historic marker. The banks of the Saco River makes a picturesque curve in the valley below.
Top of Mount Washington
One of the best views of Mount Washington is actually on the Mount Washington summit. You truly have the feeling of standing on top of the world. There are three ways to reach the summit each with its amazing views and accompanying history. The original way to reach the top was by foot on the many trails that were created starting in the early 19th century as tourists first started coming to the area. In the mid 1800's the Carriage Road was created on the eastern slope of the mountain, which is now the Mount Washington Auto Road. The Cog Railway was built about the same time on the western slope from the area of the Mount Washington Hotel. The ride remains basically the same as it was then using the same coal fired steam engines.
From the Saco River
Many of the 19th Century White Mountain School Painters used Mount Washington as a background focus for their Saco River canvases. Mount Washington from this perspective appears as a small but persistent presence, dwarfed by the ledges and cliffs in closer proximity to the viewer. The vista gives you a feeling that the river flows from the mountain, which is pretty close to the truth. The Saco originates from Saco Lake which is just below the Western slope of Mount Washington in the Crawford Notch.
Web Cam
If you can't take a trip to the Mount Washington Valley you can still have a great view of the mountain 24 hours a day 7 days a week at the CAMNET web site. This web cam view of Mount Washington from Conway is part of a project to monitor air pollution and visibility in the area. Other web cams include one at the Bretton Woods Resort that was just installed in Feb. 2007 and another at Wildcat Mountain. The Mount Washington summit has three web cams available for views. These perpectives can all be viewed at the web site of the Mount Washington Observatory.
To see a google map of all the locations please click here
Do you have a favorite Mount Washington viewpoint? Let us know with your comments.
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