Grizzle Ocean Mountain and Thunderbolt Mountain(Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area-Adirondacks)

Took advantage of some time off of work on a gorgeous spring morning by doing a part trail/ part bushwhack hike that's been on my to do list for quite a while.  My goal was to hike up and over Grizzle Ocean Mountain as well as Thunderbolt Mountain in the Pharaoh Lake Wilderness, while also checking out Grizzle Ocean itself.  To get started, I parked at the Grizzle Ocean Trailhead and boat launch for Putnam Pond via Putts Pond Road on the NE side of Putnam Pond and set out.(Elevation 1222 feet)

Conditions were nearly perfect, with low humidity and temps in the low 60s.  Unfortunately the bugs were also out enjoying the nice weather and harassing me as soon as I stepped out of the car. 

 

The trail heads south, basically hugging the east shore of Putnam Pond before swinging west and meeting up with the Long Swing Trail.  Right where these trails converge is where I headed into the woods to begin my bushwhack up Grizzle Ocean Mountain's north slopes. 

Painted Trillium near the forest floor.

Although the slopes on the map looked like they'd be pretty easy to ascend, there was quite a bit of deadfall to make my way up and around on the north slopes of the peak.  Still easily made my way up to the nondescript 1842 foot summit of the mountain in good time though.

Thinking the bushwhack south along the summit ridge would be easy, I was proven wrong once again as there were many more small ups and downs and clefts to get through than I had bargained for.  Finally making my way over towards the southwest slopes of the summit ridge, I found some pretty fantastic ledges.

 

From the first of many good view spots, I found this nice look at Treadway Mountain to the NW.

The spectacular view west towards Pharaoh Lake and Pharaoh Mountain.  What a great view! 

There are many phenomenal open views west towards Pharaoh Lake and each one is uniquely different.

Migrating my way slowly south along the ridge, I began to find views towards the large marsh near Wolf Pond as well as Pharaoh Lake.  The bright green of early spring only enhanced these wonderful views.

Looking back at a section of ledges I was exploring.

A steep descent south-then east-off Grizzle Ocean Mountain brought me down to the Long Swing Trail, which I quickly crossed over and then ascended the steep west slopes of Thunderbolt Mountain.  On my way up Thunderbolt, I hit several areas of open rock slides with decent views.  The best view I found was this much different vantage point of Pharaoh Lake and Pharaoh Mountain.

Unfortunately most of the open rock only provided good-not great-views such as this.

The wooded 1865 foot summit of Thunderbolt Mountain.

As I began to descend off the summit area, I was able to find one more killer view of Pharaoh Lake.

A fairly steep but easy bushwhack NW, brought me down Thunderbolt's slopes and  back to the marked Long Swing Trail.  Enjoyed this fun little spot on this section of trail heading north, where it crosses a wet area on raised wooden planks.

Soon enough, a red blazed trail breaks off the yellow trail and leads a short distance over to a Lean To near Grizle Ocean's north shore.  Although it sits back in a pretty forest, Grizzle Ocean is clearly visible through the trees from the shelter.

A few yards downhill from the Lean To is the pristine shoreline of Grizzle Ocean.  A really nice spot, especially if you're lucky enough to have it to yourself like I did!

From the pond, it was a short walk back to the yellow blazed trail, where I began my way back to the car.  Stopped briefly on a spur trail to the south shore of Putnam Pond, where I sat and relaxed for several minutes, soaking in the sunshine and light breeze.

Made one more pit stop off trail before ending my day at a pretty waterfall on an unnamed stream near Putnam Pond's SE shore.

Once back on the trail, it was a nice and easy hike out to the car where I was finally able to escape the wrath of the bugs!  A total of 8 miles RT with 2000 feet of total ascent.  Only other person I saw all day was a forest ranger, who was very friendly and chatty.

Map below.  Red P=Parking      Blue=Trail Hike      Black=Bushwhack