2013.08.21 -- Algonquin Peak and Avalanche Pass in the Adirondack High Peaks

In preparation for an Adirondack High Peaks hike planned next week, I am posting this neglected Adirondack High Peaks trip report from 2013. The boys and I (Robert 11, and Erick 8) climbed the 2nd highest peak in the Adirondacks, while Katerina (5) and her Grandparents climbed something a little smaller. We were camped at the Adirondack Loj in the heart of the High Peaks for two nights, so we did not need to travel super early to get a parking spot (like we will need to do next week).

Excerpt below from the National Geographic Adirondack Park High Peaks map.

• The boys and I started at the Adirondack Loj and headed south to Algonquin Peak, then continued east to Avalanche Lake and Avalanche Pass, finally returning to the Loj.
• Katerina, Mom and Dad hiked up Mount Jo, to the north of the Loj, and covered both loops there.

Early start to the day at the trailhead for the Algonquin Peak Trail

Snapshot of the trail conditions. Pretty Rugged trail, but not too muddy that day.

Early water break on the trail. We did not bring that much water with us, but we did carry a water filter and expected to cross water several times.

One of many stream crossing (1)

One of many stream crossing (2)

Starting up the steep part of the trail. The hike was very much front loaded with uphill.

Some pictures showcasing the challenge of the trails

Some pictures showcasing the kids scrambling

On the flank of Algonquin

The boys at the top of Algonquin

Panorama at the top of Algonquin

Group photo at the top of Algonquin, 5144 feet elevation. Note the mountain with the whitish stripes (rockfall scars) is Colden, where we plan to go next week. The higher peak in the distance is Mt Marcy, at 5344 the highest peak in the Adirondacks.

A cave we found on the way down

Headed down towards Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake (1)

Headed down towards Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake (2)

Headed down towards Lake Colden and Avalanche Lake (3)

Trail Intersection for Lake Colden, we will take the trail we missed on this hike next week

Filtering water in Avalanche Lake

Avalanche Lake (1)

Avalanche Lake (2) -- the wooden platforms are the "Hitch Up Mathildas"

• https://www.adirondackalmanack.com/2017/02/the-origin-of-the-hitch-up-matildas.html

Avalanche Lake (3)

Avalanche Pass (1)

Avalanche Pass (2)

Avalanche Pass (3)

The 8 year old is TIRED ... I have rarely seen eyes rolled so far back

Final picture for the boys trip, very tired boys

Photo credits to Robert Washbourne for the Mt Jo hike.

Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (1)

Foliage on the Mt Jo hike

Mom and Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (1)

Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (2)

Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (3)

Mom and Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (2)

Group photo from the top of Mt Jo

Mom and Katerina at the top of Mt Jo

Ladder scrambling on the Mt Jo hike

Dad and Katerina on the Mt Jo hike

Mom and Katerina on the Mt Jo hike (3)