Hike in August & Support Washington Trails Association #HikeaThon

I have been wanting to do this trail for years. Arrived at the trailhead at 7:15am, and there were roughly 3-4 spots in the lot and side of the road. Multiple cars were arriving the same time we were and grabbed most of the remaining spots. Though the road to the trailhead is unpaved for some short sections, it's doable for most vehicles, and we saw many sedans at the lot.

From the trailhead, the trail climbs steadily up to the summit. Smoke was intense and made the initial 3 miles through the forest difficult. Tons of wildflowers along the route and even with the smoke, the views were fantastic. 

Once we cleared treeline the smoke eased up, and we went first to Mount Townsend North Peak were we had a quick snack before backtracking to summit Mount Townsend. We then descended and took the split to head to Silver Lakes. We didn't pass anyone along the way, but there were many folks camped at the lake. The lake was beautiful with wildflower meadows and fish jumping. We took the loop around the lake before heading back. 

Bugs were nonexistent on the way to Townsend summit and Silver Lakes but very annoying around the lake and heading back to the trailhead. Multiple mosquito bites. Flies were jerks but not biting.

Stats: 13.93 miles -- 4,337 elevation gain -- 5:34 total time -- 3.0 mph moving speed

Bugs were not bad for us, we were on trail 6-10am. There were a few mosquitoes and horseflies but nothing warranting spray or head nets. We didn’t camp up high and were only there in the morning, however… recent reports made it sound heinous but that was not our experience and we are pretty biting-insect averse. We started at the Mt Townsend upper trailhead from the SE as seen on Google Maps.

the flowers are fantastic right now and huckleberries are starting to ripen. Smoke present from the Cushman fire but not awful. Did reduce the long distance views up high however! 

trail is amazing, easily runnable if you have the legs for it! 

Left early in the morning and made it to Mt. Townsend Upper Trailhead by 7:15 am. The day started a bit hazy due to forest fires, which unfortunately obscured the views on the way up. The trail is in great shape, with only a couple of easily navigable blowdowns. Wildflowers were still holding strong, and we ended up with about 70 different species in bloom! 

Passed up Mt. Townsend summit and headed to the north peak first. The views here were still a bit smoky, but the haze started to lift just enough to get a few glimpses of the surrounding peaks and marine layer clouds. We then made our way back and hit up the official summit, which offered a slightly different perspective on the landscape.

After enjoying the views, we began the descent, ascent, descent, and ascent toward Silver Lake. The lake itself was a serene and picturesque spot, with fish jumping and even more wildflowers lining its shores. Decided to take a quick walk around the lake before heading back to the car.

Miles the Marmot chose to get into the spirit of things by sporting his firefighter costume. A little on the nose, maybe, but you gotta appreciate the commitment. 

Overall: 14.39 miles, 4,340 ft, and 5hrs 21mins

Song of the trip: Smoke from a Distant Fire by Sanford-Townsend Band (I mean, could I really pick anything else?)

HORESEFLIES ARE INSANE ON THIS TRAIL! 

(Please note: We started at the Little Quilcene trailhead. As I understand it, the Upper Trailhead does have a privy and perhaps larger lot)

Unpaved road to the trailhead for about 9 miles, which went somewhat slowly because you had to watch for potholes. Arrived at 8:20a on Thursday to a few cars at the lot. Returned around noon to a mostly full lot, which could accomodate maybe 10 cars, and a few more along the road if necessary. No bathroom/privy at the trailhead. 

First mile was the hardest, due to the incline, but not really bad at all. After that, the trail was well-maintained and enjoyable, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ALL THE HORSEFLIES BUZZING US THE WHOLE WAY. There were multiple times where I became a trail runner, thinking that I could outrun these demonic beasts, but they were persistent nearly the whole hike. In the future, I'll avoid this trail during the summer when they're probably most active. Otherwise, it was one of the most beautiful and magical places in the PNW. 

Gorgeous trail in excellent condition. Amazing views in all directions. Unfortunately so many bugs today. Can’t believe recent trip reports that said no bugs. This was right up near the “wish we hadn’t come” level. Horseflies mostly, black flies and a few mosquitoes.