Mount Townsend — Friday, Jul. 26, 2024

This hike has been on my wish list for several years and it did not disappoint.
Road up was windy, on and off gravel with some dips and potholes but any vehicle should be able to make it. We arrived just before 7 am on Friday with only 3 other cars at the trailhead. There is a toilet that was clean and stocked with TP. 
According to a sign at the trailhead the first 3 miles are at a 20 percent grade. Trail is steep but in great shape. Thank you WTA! 
Abundant wildflowers throughout the hike, so many different types including paintbrush, arnica, penstemon, tiger lilies, columbine, harebell and many others.  Glacier peak was the first volcano to show above the clouds, next Rainier and finally Baker at the summit. Beautiful views in all directions, binoculars were helpful, with them we could see the lighthouse on the Dungeness spit. 
Glad to have poles on the way down. Trip took 5.5 hours with a 40 minute stay at the top. Parking lot was mostly full with some cars parked along the road at 1230.