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Number Five Mountain
Number Five Mountain: Read the Forest before the View
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Number Five Mountain rises within Leuthold Forest Preserve southwest of Jackman. The Nature Conservancy protects a large forest landscape here, including complete pond shorelines and a high-elevation fir and heart-leaved birch community. The mountain trail offers a way into that larger conservation story, ending among open ledges and an old fire tower. Plan it as a remote outing whose approach, woodland ascent, and upper views all deserve time, rather than a quick stop beside the main highway.
Rebecca Goldfine finds the views generous for the effort of the hike, with a forested path that stays at a relatively gentle pitch for much of the ascent. She considers reaching the trailhead the hardest part: many miles of back-road driving precede the walk. That balance is useful when deciding whether the day suits the group and vehicle. Check current road conditions and leave room in the schedule for a slower approach than the map alone might suggest.
Ron Chase's blustery outing gives the climb a different texture. Starting on an old logging road, his group turns into predominantly conifer forest, reaches rougher rocky terrain, and crosses a long log bridge over boggy ground. Farther up, boulders require periodic scrambling. The sequence makes the mountain feel varied rather than uniformly easy. Read a current route description and judge each section for present conditions, particularly when snow or wet rock changes the effort.
The preserve's protected habitats support forest birds including boreal chickadees, gray jays, and blackpoll warblers, alongside mammals such as pine marten. Those species help explain the value of keeping a broad woodland intact, even when a visitor sees none of them. Let listening and ordinary forest observation have a place on the approach. The summit panorama places Number Five Bog and Attean Pond within the same wider landscape, connecting what is underfoot to what becomes visible from above.
On Chase's visit, reaching the open ledges brings magnificent views and an immediate need for warmer clothing. The group seeks shelter from strong wind, then continues toward the closed steel tower before looking across the Attean Pond region. Cold eventually sends them down. The tower is a historical landmark to view from the ground; the walk does not require climbing it. Choose the length of the summit stop for the actual wind and the group's comfort.
Goldfine's account also emphasizes the fire tower as something to leave unclimbed. Her enjoyment comes from the ledgy summit and the surrounding forest, not access to the structure. That is a sensible focus for an itinerary: the reward remains the mountain and its views. Give the drive out the same attention as the drive in, and avoid using up the day's remaining energy by lingering beyond a comfortable turnaround time.
For photographs, choose a stable stance and a clear subject before making the frame. One overall arrangement and one close detail can serve different purposes. Keep passage available, pack equipment before moving, and leave a little time to enjoy the pause without trying to record it. Give each chosen picture its own reason to stay.
Fun facts
- Leuthold protects complete pond shorelines and a distinctive high-elevation forest community.
Before you go
- Confirm Spencer Road access and follow the preserve’s current trailhead directions.
- Stay off the closed fire tower and prepare for exposed summit wind.
Visitor perspectives
- Goldfine enjoys the ledgy summit views and relatively gentle forested climb but identifies the long back-road approach as a major challenge.
- Chase enjoys the Attean Pond panorama, but strong wind and cold require warm clothing and prompt the descent.
Capture
- Give the broad arrangement and a small detail separate frames.
- Keep equipment packed while moving over awkward ground.
Social
Number Five Mountain stands within Leuthold Forest Preserve.
Goldfine enjoys the views but gives the back-road approach serious attention.
Chase’s climb passes conifer forest, boggy ground, and boulders.
Connected forest supports wildlife beyond what a day visitor may see.
Strong summit wind can shorten an otherwise rewarding pause.
The return deserves room in the plan.
A historical landmark need not be entered to be appreciated.
Leave one quiet moment unrecorded.
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