With very little snow in the mountains, and a beautiful sunny day, we decided to hike up to Mount Townsend in the Olympic National Forest near Quilcene. The road was clear all the way to the upper trailhead. Very unusual for February. This hike in 8 miles round trip with 3000 ft elevation gain. The first part of the hike is in the forest. We only came across one downed tree and a small amount of water on the trail.
About 2 miles the trail opens up and we had views looking across to the Cascade mountains and
we could see Glacier Peak.
Looking back above the trail we could see a waterfall.
It was too early for flowers, but I was surprised to see some red berries along the trail.
As we climbed the switchbacks, after the trail separates from the Silver Lake trail at 3 miles, we could see Mt. Baker and Mt Shuksan to the northwest.
And Mt Rainier to the southwest.
There was some snow on the trail on the last few switchbacks before the saddle, and from the saddle to the summit of Mount Townsend.
We didn't need microspikes, but found our poles handy.
Some of the low clouds lifted as we ate lunch. We could see the Hoods Canal Bridge crossing Hoods Canal with Glacier Peak in the distance.
Some panorama shots from the summit:
To the South and East, some of the Olympic Mountains.
To the North, Vancouver Island, the Coastal Mountains in British Columbia and the other end of the top of Mount Townsend.
To the west, Mt Baker and Mt Shuksan, Glacier Peak, Mt Rainier, Mt Adams and Mt St Helens. Hazy clouds over the southern volcanos.
It was hard to leave the gorgeous views and return home today.
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