Mount Townsend

Is Mount Townsend popular because there are four trails to the top? Or are there four trails to the top because Mount Townsend is so popular? Let’s just agree it's a popular hike and that there are many reasons for it.

The most loved of the routes up Townsend starts at what is commonly referred to as the "Upper Trailhead." The "Lower Trailhead" on this route starts 1.2 miles and 400 feet elevation farther down the valley. It can be a good access option when snow has closed higher elevation roads. The trail starts out accompanied by the crashing of Townsend Creek and soon switchbacks through old-growth with a thick understory of rhododendrons.

The track makes a long westward-rising traverse through fir and hemlock, interrupted by three ravines. These ravines get progressively more open both up and down their drainages, providing peek-a-boo views across the valley. Shortly after the trail breaks into a broad, sloped meadow, stop and listen. You may be able to pick out first the sounds and then the sights of a couple of small waterfalls. The more obvious one drains off of Townsend and the other off of the Welch Peaks to the southwest.

Switchbacks resume in this open area; take one from meadow to forest and back to meadow. The open views to the east offer better and better views across to the Cascades. Shortly before Camp Windy, the trail crests an open rock face that brings most hikers to a brief halt to enjoy the views and the moment. At 2.6 miles down the trail, overnighters can enjoy Camp Windy as a nice camp spot. The water source — shallow Windy Lake — is a great reflecting pool for the surrounding trees and cliffs.

The switchbacks above Camp Windy bring you to the intersection with the Silver Lake Trail at 3 miles. Swing right to stay en route to Townsend. Soon you'll find yourself in open country punctuated by clumps of krummholz skirted subalpine fir.

Take your pick of any of the outcrops at the south summit of Townsend (four miles from the trailhead and at 6,260 feet of elevation and enjoy the views in all directions. Use the rocks for a windbreak during your well-earned rest and snack before heading back.

Wondering where the other three trails to Townsend are? Silver Lakes Trail approaches from the west and is reached via the Silver Lakes Way Trail. The other two approach from the north: Little River Summit from the northeast and Dirty Face Ridge from the northwest. The trail up Dirty Face Ridge (shown on maps as the Little Quilcene Trail) shares a trailhead parking area with the Tubal Cain Trail on FR 2870.

WTA Pro Tip: For a fun loop hike, start on the Dirty Face Ridge Trail, summit Townsend and head south on the 839 trail until you meet the Silver Lakes Trail. Take it over the pass and down into the Silver Lakes Valley, then turn north on the Silver Lakes Way Trail. This trail ends on the 2870 road that you follow back to your vehicle.