This was my first trip on Little Quilcene. I found this route looking for an alternative to the 2880 road to Tubal Cain. Also considered Gold Creek approach from Lower Dungeness trailhead, but this is a distance of 12 miles to the Tubal Cain side of Little Quilcene.
Anyway, the most huff and puff I experienced happened in the first mile or so, up to Little River summit. From there, it's pretty much smooth sailing all the way up to Mount Townsend via Dirty Face Ridge. The forested trail portion is very lush with lichens hanging just about everywhere, copious rhododendron, and also lots of wild kinnikinnick.
Can't really understate the views on and past Dirty Face Ridge- just outstanding. I caught a gradually clear view of Mount Deception as I traversed, and all the volcanos- minus Mount Hood due to a slight haze.
Having been up to Townsend via the main trailhead multiple trips, I am of the opinion that this is the easiest and best way up. The road isn't really 2880 bad, but it has very notable pot-holeage, primarily on the last 4 mile section.
Today I observed 28 other hikers and 2 dogs, mostly on my descent, before heading out at 12-noon.
RT 6.9m/2180ft
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