RFI: 3 day, 2 nights up Rocky Branch to Washington and back

[MountainDad]

Hello all, I am in the final stages of planning a 3 day, 2 night backpack with my sons (Bald Eagle - 12 and Screech Owl - 10) and pooch (Mia). Planning to leave Thursday morning 8/10/06. We did some backpacks last summer and fall and hiking, climbing this year. They are ready for a bit more as well as a multi-night backpack. My plan is as follows:

start at the Rocky Branch trailhead off Rt 16.

Join Isolation Trail - I've talked to some recent hikers who claim there are 4 marked but unpublished tent sites along Isolation with 2 being close to Davis Path. The intent is to make one of the 2 closest to Davis Path. If these do not exist or are taken, we will rough it. After setting up camp, depending on weather and spirit, summit Mt Isolation as an out and back to camp.

Next morning, break camp and make way to Davis Path to summit Washington via Davis Path to Crawford Path. Return back out the way we came with another overnight along the way out. The current plan is to break camp, stash our gear and take lighter day packs to Washington and back and camp in the same spot or general area.

Any additional suggestions or advice or observations from climbers in the area recently greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
MountainDad

[David Metsky]

There are at least two designated spots on the Isolation trail, and I think 2 more on the Davis Path heading towards Washington. They are not on the maps, but they are easy to find and they certainly won't be full on a Thursday night. Water is close by the Isolation trail, the ones on Davis may require you to hike back down a short ways for water.

Once there, Isolation is just a short jaunt. You can easily do it before dinner. Keep your eyes out for summit spur trail sign, it's sometimes hard to spot.

Parts of the Rocky Branch trail get very muddy after rain, and it's nasty mud. Don't pack too lightly for your summit trip, you'll be exposed the entire time. You can fill up water at Lakes and the summit so you don't need to carry too much to start. I wouldn't even break down your camp, leave it set up and come back to it after your summit day. That's what base camps are all about.

You could head out via the Glen Boulder trail, but then you'll have to do a short road walk to get back to your car, or follow the Avalanche Brook ski trail back. Keep a close eye on the weather, don't be afraid to turn around. Don't keep going because you can use the summit buildings. You'll have to come back down and the weather is just going to get worse as time goes on, and you'll be more tired and there will be less light.

Here's a trip report that covers a lot of the trails you'll be on.

-dave-

[MountainDad]

Thanks for the info and advice David. I had found and read your post on HikeTheWhites when I started researching this trip several weeks ago.

I've done the Presi traverse 5 times in the summer and 2 times in the winter so I know the routine about packing appropriately and keeping an eye on the weather. We do have a gps (but I always bring real maps and compass too) so hopefully finding the spur won't be too problematic.

I suppose I was being a little paranoid re: taking down the camp, but then again, what is there to steal?! Someone on another forum reported this weekend that there are 2 campsites on opposite sides of the Isolation Trail close to its intersection with Davis Path. In any case, we'll likely err on a site nearer water. The full moon is on Wednesday so if the sky is clear it might be fun to do a sunset ascent of Isolation, but the weather and kids would also have to cooperate.

Anyway, thanks again!

MountainDad

[ga2ski]

There were at least two campsites on the Rock Branck side of Davis Path. You should definitely hike to Isolation as it is one of my favorite views.

[MichaelJ]

I agree with the 4 number but can only picture 3 in my head.

Two are along the Isolation Trail and are marked with little posts with a tent symbol on them and are too far down for your plans.

One is at the Isolation/Davis junction. It's marked off the Davis Path side, but you can get to it from the Iso trail where it "wanders" near the top through an open pine forest. Water is about a quarter mile back.

[MountainDad]

MichaelJ, I'll post GPS coordinates for these on my trip report on the other forum when I pull them off my GPS. But basically, here they are:

1) off the left of Rocky Branch (as you come from Rt 16) maybe 50 yards before it crosses the Rocky Branch and connects with Isolation Trail on the other side of the crossing. The Isolation Shelter is just a few yards to the left at this intersection.

2) where we stayed. Continue north on Isolation. Make 2 river crossings. Right before the 3rd crossing is a marked campsite (sign post) on the left that goes up a narrow path. This is a really nice spot. I believe it is in about 1 mile but I'll double check with the GPS.

3 & 4) continue up Isolation Trail until near its intersection with Davis Path. This area is flat and wet/muddy. Before reaching the Davis Path intersection, there is a signpost with 2 tent sites - 1 pointing left, the other right. We didn't check out the actual sites but this area is mucky. This one is counted as 2 sites.

BTW, I work in Lexington right nextdoor. I need to visit the EMS store in Burlington at noon to pick up some gear.

Also, I did file a trip report on the report forum. I have photos on my photo web site that are password protected. If anyone is interested, drop me an email or message and I'll set you up with the URL and a password.

regards,
MountainDad

[MichaelJ]

Yup, that's about what I remember. Sad to hear those top sites were muddy; that's where I stayed 3 or 4 years ago and it was a sweet spot to be.