WASHINGTON, MOUNT, a peak of the White mountains in New Hampshire, alt. 6,293 ft. The Presidential range is about 20 m. in length, and contains nine other peaks exceeding 5,000 ft. in height. The sides of Mt. Washington are cut deep with ravines which offer some of its wildest scenery. Above the ravines (5,00o-5,500 ft.) are comparatively level areas called "lawns"; from these rises the rounded bare-rock summit. The tree-line, which extends up its sides to an elevation of about 3,85o ft., gives away for the next i,000 ft. of altitude to dwarf spruce, balsam and birch. This is followed by the real Alpine zone which extends to the summit. The flora of this region is chiefly Alpine flowers, sedges and lichens. The winter weather is very severe. Official weather records show temperatures as low as 6o° below zero and storm winds exceeding loo m. per hour. The region is plentifully supplied with water which finds its way into three rivers, the Androscoggin, the Connecticut and the Saco. Near the summit are two rock-rimmed and clear bodies of water known as the "Lakes of the Clouds."
The peak was first sighted from the ocean in 1605, and was first ascended in 1642 by Darby Field accompanied by two Indian guides. The mountain was given its present name by the Rev. Manasseh Cutler, who, with several companions, made a scientific trip to the summit in 2784. The Crawford path, which approaches from the south-west, was finished in 1821, and a few years later was made a bridle path to the summit. The carriage road, which was constructed during the years 1855-61, follows the prominent north-east ridge from Glen House to the summit. This makes it possible to climb the peak by automobile. The cog railway, which follows the westerly spur, was started in 1866 and completed in 1869. It operates between the Base station and the Summit house. Numerous trails and shelters are maintained, chiefly by the Appalachian mountain club.
See W. C. O'Kane, Trails and Summits of the White Mountains (1925) and Guide to Paths in the White Mountains (6 ed., 1925) pub lished by the Appalachian mountain club.