Mount Willey, Field, and Tom Photos

Ripley Falls

Me in front of Ripley Falls

Looking out from Mount Willey


These are the birds I was hand-feeding

Mount Washington in the background

Mount Willey, Mount Field, and Mount Tom

I hiked Mounts Willey, Field, and Tom solo Saturday, July 3, 2010. On the way up I saw a moose running in the street too! The weather was perfect again! Sunny with clouds, but not too hot. These mountains lie in one straight line, following the Willey Range Trail, making it easy to summit 3 peaks in one day. While the views are always spectacular on any 4,000 footer summit, these 3 summits are NOT above treeline, so any photos you take will include trees at the summit blocking views (unless you zoom in past the trees). The summits on all 3 mountains were quite small, and since there are trees present, it makes it hard to sit and enjoy a snack or the views if there are other people up there.

On the top of Mount Willey and Field, I was hand-feeding the birds with a couple other people up there. Just hold your hand out with a piece of food in between your fingers, and they will swoop down and pick it up. They aren't scared to get real close to you, and sit near you either.

When I was almost done my hike, and back to the parking lot, there is a .50 mile trail leading to Ripley Falls. I highly suggest anyone to take that extra mile back and fourth of hiking to see this waterfall. It is simply amazing! It is a 100 foot drop, cascading over a rock wall.

Mount Willey = 4,285 feet
Mount Field = 4,340 feet
Mount Tom = 4,051 feet

• Start time = 9:10 am
• End time = 6:10 am
• Total hike time = 9 hours*
• Total miles = 12.2 miles (including visiting Ripley Falls)
• Rating = Moderate/Difficult
• Extras = Not above treeline, waterfall, brooks.

* Hiking times include roughly 1 hour total of stopping from start to finish.

Route Summary = Parking for this hike is at the end of Willey Station Road, off Route 302. When you turn on the road, go all the way up the hill to a small parking area. Parking along that road is also permitted if it is crowded. You begin on the Ethan Pond Trail for .30 miles. You will cross railroad tracks very close to the parking lot. Continue up for 2.7 miles to the summit of Mount Willey. After you enjoy Mount Willey, continue up the trail for 1.4 miles to the summit of Mount Field. From there, continue on the trail for .90 miles where you will reach an intersection. To go up to Mount Tom, you will turn left (the sign will say Tom Spur, instead of summit). Continue for .60 miles to the summit. To get back to your car, you will retrace your steps all the way back, making sure to stop at the Ripley Falls on your way back.

I recommend this hike if you are looking to peak bag 3 summits in one day of the 4,000 footers. An easy hike to add 3 mountains to your list! The waterfall is an extra bonus to see, and if you are able to hand-feed the birds at the summits, that is an extra bonus! You really get the naturesque experience when you can be in nature, AND interact with the wildlife.

If you are looking for a hike with awesome summit views, I would NOT reccommend this hike, becasue none of the summits are above treeline, or have a large enough area to sit and enjoy the views like other mountains sucn as Mount Pierce, Eisenhower, Osecola, Lafayette, Lincoln, etc.