best approach to Seward range

[DLhiker]

Hi, Headed in early on Saturday. Planning to camp at Ward Brook area on Saturday night. i want to do the Seward range on Saturday, so which do you recommend?:

1. Hike in, drop overnight packs at junction, do Sewards via Calkins Brook, come back and head the rest of the way to Ward Brook?

2. Hike to Ward Brook, do the range via the ward brook approach

3. Hike up Calkins, down Ward brook with the full pack (we're not going to be very heavy, but I always like to drop the pack when i can).

Thanks for your input

[maphiker]

Originally Posted by DLhiker

Hi, Headed in early on Saturday. Planning to camp at Ward Brook area on Saturday night. i want to do the Seward range on Saturday, so which do you recommend?:

1. Hike in, drop overnight packs at junction, do Sewards via Calkins Brook, come back and head the rest of the way to Ward Brook?

2. Hike to Ward Brook, do the range via the ward brook approach

3. Hike up Calkins, down Ward brook with the full pack (we're not going to be very heavy, but I always like to drop the pack when i can).

Thanks for your input

Last week I attempted the Seward range by taking my full pack up the Calkins trail. My idea was to go up the Calkins trail, leave the pack in the col below Donaldson, do Donaldson and Emmons and then take the pack down over Seward to the Blueberry lean-to area. My advice: Don't do it. Taking the pack up the Calkins trail was extremely difficult for me. I ended up not doing Seward and coming back down the Calkins trail. At 2:00 AM I pitched my tent. The next morning I hiked out.

I like your #1 choice above. It will be much more fun! Don't be fooled by the nice easy roads that lead into the trail.

I lost a Swiss Army knife, pack rain cover (in a pouch) and a head lamp somewhere up the Calkins brook trail. If you find them please let me know.

[DLhiker]

Thanks for the confirmation. Years ago i did option 3 and have a bad memory of it. I also think the route up/down ward brook is to be avoided, but i wanted to see what others thought since I haven't been in there recently.

I am leaning toward #1.

I'll keep an eye open for your gear.

[NStoker93]

None of them, stay away from that horrible muddy swamp. haha Badddd memories....