Mount Townsend - Olympic Peninsula, WA

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).

Mount Storm King - Olympic Peninsula, WA

May 2, 2016

Another great workout hike in the Olympic Peninsula. I'd put Mt. Storm King next to Mt. Rose as the trail is equally steep, but just a mile shorter.

The hike begins from the Marymere Falls Nature Trail by the Storm King Ranger Station, and in less than a quarter mile you come to the trail sign of Storm King.

The trail climbs steep from the beginning and continues that way all along the journey with little ease. The good news is the hike is less than 2 miles one way! So, take your time and pace yourself. It's worth the effort after all and the reward is a spectacular view of Lake Crescent from the top.

After grueling march through the treeline, views open up with Lake Crescent and surrounding deep green mountain range. There are a series of vantage points along the ledge/saddle, but very exposed!....so, be careful. The trail continues along the narrow ridge gaining more elevation to the top.

To reach the top for a grand vista point, you have to ascend a couple of exposed steep and slippery dirt slopes....sheer drop. There is a rope setup for those steep sections so that you can safely climb. I had a pair of gloves in my pack and they became handy specially for descending....I learned this trick for better grip and not getting blistered when I climbed Yosemite's Half Dome.....no worries, however, Storm King is not that steep or long. 

After the exciting and thrilling climb, you finally come to a rocky peak....the vantage point you were waiting for. Take in the breathtaking view....Lake Crescent, Olympic range, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island. I was amazed to see how blue the water is. It was also interesting and educational to be able to look at the region from a bird's eye view and understand how the geological terrains are formed and divided by mountain ranges and waters, which creates characteristic climate conditions in the Olympic region - rain, snow, sunshine/clouds, dry/wet...and sustaining ecology of different landscapes and living things.

When you descend, just be careful and take your time not to slip as you hike down the steep slopes with the assistance of the rope! By the way, wildflowers are blooming....quite a few orchids and they were beautiful! After the hike, I made a quick stop at Lake Crescent Lodge and strolled along the lake shore trail....I was greeted by a couple of deer! The lodge has a picturesque lake view and there is a restaurant/gift shop inside....it's a nice place to relax after the hike and before you hit the road back home!

Mt. Rose - Olympic Peninsula, WA

April 7, 2016

It was 74 degrees when I arrived at the trailhead parking lot around 1:30pm. The weather was like an early summer. Traihead is easy to find and located right across Lake Cushman on FR 24. Trailhead has a small parking lot for about a dozen or so cars. Privy is available.

In short, this hike is quite a feat as the WTA's description details....one of the steepest trails in the Olympics. I'd say it's somewhat like a combination of Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak(old trail)....it gains 3,500 ft vertical in 2.9 miles based on the trail information at the trailhead. However, it's worth the effort to see the spectacular views from the top.

The trail is in good condition with no significant obstacles until you hit the snow covered route which begins somewhere around the last 3/4 mile to the summit via left loop route after ascending about 1/4 mile from Horsecamp. The snow covered route was mostly packed with boot tracks, except the slope going up to the summit because there were some soft spots where I ended up post-holing a few feet down. (See the pic.) Also, part of the snow covered route can become sketchy when snow starts to melt and boot tracks disappear. Therefore, it is a good protocol to pay attention to where you are heading, particularly when you descend as the boot tracks you followed up may disappear if it's warm weather by the time you follow back....you don't want to get lost! There are some trail markers of bright orange color tapes tied around some trees and branches which I found helpful as well as following the boot tracks in and out.

The last few hundred feet ascending the steep face to the summit was a little tricky today because the weather was warm and the deep snow got soft and slushy/slippery. I had micro spikes in my pack just in case, but I didn't have to use them after all. However, hiking poles became certainly useful. And, water proof boots are highly recommended to tackle the snow covered route to the summit.

All the sweat and effort were rewarded with the breathtaking vistas from the top in the crystal clear sky and gorgeous weather....Lake Cushman, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic range and Puget Sound. I had the summit and all that view for myself! By the way, the summit is very small....looks like it's only about 6 sq.ft.? and just enough for a few people!!!

I descended back the same route instead of continuing the loop because of the snow condition and I didn't want to take a risk of getting lost!!!

Mt. Rose is a great hike with spectacular views....with a little(?) effort and determination to challenge the steep trail. After the hike, I took a side trip down to Lake Cushman from the trailhead.....wow, it was gorgeous!

Mt. Ellinor - Olympic Peninsula, WA

Obviously, this hike is so popular that parts of the trail could get congested with traffic. Also, I was surprised to see many family hikers with small children trekking up all the way to the top. Believe me, this is NOT an easy hike. In fact, it's rather strenuous. And yet, it's worth the effort. 

I started my journey from Upper trailhead which climbs about 2,500 ft in 1.6 miles. It starts out with a series of merciless switchbacks through the forest.....some of the trees are really TALL! Once the tree line thins out, rocky trail begins, which eventually makes you feel like a mountain goat. It certainly kicks your butt! 

To speak of mountain goats, I saw five of them in this hike. They seem to be good-natured, but it is advised to stay calm and keep a safe distance from them. You never know how aggressive or even lethal they can be. After all, they are wild animals. 

When it's a clear day, the view from the summit is spectacular. Wild flowers are just beginning. I saw glacier lilies for the first time in this season.

 

3.2 miles RT (Upper trail)

2,500 ft elevation gain