Let's climb the Mountain

The Hike we are going to take right now is from the Race Trail. We had to walk a little bit more up the road from this sign to start the trip. Below are pictures of the notes on this board. If you want to skip reading the posted warnings and Map "Click Here"

Here is the green note from the board. We had to place text over the image so you can read what it says. This note gives a general idea as to where it is you should be climbing.

Here is another note. In light of the fact there is no way to read that picture, Below is what it reads.

Mt. Marathon Trails.

      Mt. Marathon is 3,020 feet tall, and on the 4th of July every year is the location of a running race to the top and back. There are two main trails on Mt Marathon, and they are the Race Trail and Jeep Road.

     The Race Trail start at the top end of Jefferson Street, and travels almost straight to the top of the mountain. There is an up trail that follows a ridge with solid footing, and a seperate down trail that crosses loose slopes. At the base of the Race Trail is a short, very steep cliff section that expierienced racers become adapt at navigating. However this section is fairly dangerous, and hikers are recomended to take the Jeep Road.

     Despite it's name, the Jeep Road is a very pleasant trail up the mountain. It starts on First Ave. at the end of Monroe Street and ends at the water resevoir near tree line. There is a cut-off route halfway up that bypasses to the Race Trail. Since this bypass is above the cliff section, it is a nice way to avoid the most dangerous part of the Race Trail. At the reservior the Jeep Road turns into a trail that travels north along the Bench, just above the tree line, then over the North Ridge of the Mountain. On the trail is Scheffler Creek Waterfall and at the end is the alpine zone area known as the Marathon Bowl. From the Bowl hikers can reach the top of the mountain by following the North Ridge.

  Important Safety Tips

      Bring Water !  This is very important for any hiking trip, especially climbing. The trail can get very hot in the summer and climbers have been known to get dehydrated and suffer heat stroke.

         Bring a windbreaker.  There is often wind high on the mountain, even when it is calm in town. Wid blowing on a sweaty shirt can cool you very quickly.

         Make noise while hiking.  While bear encouters are rare on the mountain, it has happened. Make Noise so they are not surprised by your presence.