May 7, 2016
This is a fantastic hike with awesome views, WOW!!! I read this hike is
one of the most popular hikes on the Olympic Peninsula through all
seasons....and now I know why.
The trail climbs gradually and in steady pace gaining 3,200' in 4 miles. It's a bit long hike with a good elevation gain, but I saw quite a few family hikers with kids on trail. The tail is in good condition over all, except one section of the trail blocked with major blow downs....several trees as a cluster. But, you can trek over them or veer around them. Hopefully they will be cleared soon as the main hiking season is just starting and getting busier with more hikers. There are small patches of snow here and there on the trail at higher elevations, but nothing to worry about. Perhaps, they will all disappear pretty soon as this warm weather may likely persist. I had hiking poles with me just in case, but hardly used them after all.
The hike is really wonderful.....deep forest, creek crossings, water falls, and switchbacks with fantastic views. Wildflowers are just beginning, and I particularly enjoyed glacier lilies blooming.
Jaw-dropping panoramic views open up as you come out of the forest. Enjoy the views of the deep valley down below and Cascades range on the skyline.....and in between is Puget Sound. Continue to ascend the steep face going up above Camp Windy in switchbacks, and take as many stops (and pictures!) as you want because the views get even better as you ascend.....Glacier Peak, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Olympic range, the Sound and beyond.
Go right to Mount Townsend at the sign of "Silver Lake/Mount Townsend". Breathtaking vistas never stop following you as you continue to ascend from there, weather permitting, of course. Take in 360 panoramic views at the summit....all the majestic mountain views of Olympic range to west and Cascades to east....Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker. To north, San Juan Islands, Strait of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island are visible. Seattle and Puget Sound cities are seen tucked in between. I think Mount Townsend is the only place so far where I could see the entire region and mountain ranges with Puget Sound in one single hike. It's a long drive from Seattle to do this hike, but it is totally worth it. Two thumbs up! Snow is melting fast now, so I highly recommend to do this hike soon if you want to see snow-capped mountain ranges in the background. Very beautiful.
By the way, the forest road to trailhead is mostly paved, but there are lots of pot holes and dips! Most of them are well marked with bright red paint, but some are not....so, use caution as you drive on the forest road to trailhead. Also, the trailhead parking lot is not big enough to accommodate the popularity of this hike, it seems. I saw many cars parked on the forest road as a result of overflow. I was lucky, however, I could find a parking in the lot as I arrived in the late afternoon (after 3pm).
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