Mount Washington Observatory’s “Seek the Peak” Hike-a-Thon Reaches Quarter-Century Mark

North Conway, NH– Mount Washington Observatory’s (MWOBS) annual Seek the Peak event will reach the quarter-century mark this summer as hundreds of hikers hit the trail to raise funds, earn gear, and celebrate adventure with live music, gear vendors, great food, outdoor brand giveaways, and community. Hikers of all ability levels can take advantage of the 50% early-bird discount on registration now through April 12 at seekthepeak.org, with the $25 sign-up fee counting towards their fundraising total.

As MWOBS’s largest annual fundraiser, Seek the Peak will culminate at the family-friendly Après Hike Expo on Saturday, July 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Great Glen Trails. Hikers can sign up as individuals or create teams to compete for unique prizes, such as extreme weather gear, a kayaking package, and overnight stays on the Northeast’s highest peak. MWOBS also encourages businesses and young students and their families to create teams and earn unique prizes in their own competitions. Registration fees are waived for all students and youth 15 years of age and younger.

Seek the Peak raised more than $228,000 last year to support MWOBS operations, research, educational programs and weather services, including the Higher Summits Forecast, which hikers rely on for safe recreational planning in the White Mountains. Last year, more than 360 hikers participated in Seek the Peak, generating essential funding to support the world-famous weather station.

“It is amazing to look back on what we have accomplished thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of hikers who appreciate the Observatory and the beauty and grandeur of the White Mountains,” Drew Bush, MWOBS Executive Director, said. “Our hikers, sponsors, volunteers, and community have generated critical funding for MWOBS throughout the past 25 years. Their support enables us to keep millions of visitors to New Hampshire safe outdoors, complete groundbreaking scientific research with partners, and inspire thousands of young students and their families each year with educational programs.”

MWOBS is setting its sights high—literally and figuratively—as it aims to raise $250,000 during the 25^th anniversary event. While Mount Washington tends to be the most popular hike each year, hiking Mount Washington is not required, nor is it required to hike on July 19. Participants may choose to hike any trail, any day, as long as the hike is completed by July 19. Participants who plan to summit Mount Washington on July 19 can select the “Hike and Make Friends” option, which offers resources for finding fellow hikers and groups to match one’s hiking abilities and preferences.

Fundraising participants will receive 2025 Seek the Peak t-shirts, backpacks, patches, and entry into a gear raffle, and they will get to enjoy a barbecue feast, beer garden by Tuckerman Brewing Company, live music, a rock-climbing wall and games and competitions for kids and their families. All participants may tour MWOBS’ mountaintop weather station during Seek the Peak weekend where Big Dave’s Bagels will provide summit cookies. The public is also invited to the July 19 Expo, taking place at Great Glen Trails at the base of the Mt. Washington Auto Road, and can purchase entry and meal tickets online.

Seek the Peak is made possible by Presenting Sponsors Arc’Teryx, Eastern Mountain Sports, Helly Hansen, Martini Northern, and Great Glen Trails, with additional support from Event Sponsors Tuckerman Brewing Company, Minus33, Oboz Footwear, Garmin, Mountainsmith, NEMO Equipment, L.L.Bean, The Soaking Pot, Vail Resorts, Wildly Responsible, White Mountain Oil & Propane, Burgeon Outdoor, Granite Outdoor Alliance, Conway Broadcasting (93.5 WMWV, Magic 104.5, and Easy 95.3), the Appalachian Mountain Club, Fairfield Inn by Marriott, Northeast Delta Dental, NHPR, Good To-Go,  Peter Limmer & Sons, Mt. Washington Auto Road, Mount Washington Cog Railway, and New Hampshire State Parks.

To learn more and to register, visit: seekthepeak.org. MWOBS reminds hikers to hikeSafe and Leave No Trace.

About Mount Washington Observatory:

Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our summit facility is located within Mount Washington State Park. For more information, call 603-356-2137 or visit mountwashington.org.

Contact:
Ellen Estabrook, Communications Manager
(603) 356-2137, ext. 223
eestabrook@mountwashington.org

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