The drive in was pretty potholed. Having high clearance was preferable, but you could do it in conventional car with care.
At 9 a.m. on a clear Tuesday, there were 6 cars at the trailhead when we arrived. The trail was clear of blowdowns all the way to the top. It was evident that someone had been through with a chain saw recently, because there were a number of freshly-cut logs. Thanks, trail workers!
We hit this trail at the peak of wildflower season. At lower elevations, rhodies were in full bloom. Higher, Sitka valerian was blooming everywhere, then prairie smoke, cinquefoil, cliff beardtongue, silky phacelia, Olympic onion, spreading phlox, moss campion, cushion buckwheat, and much more.
The south summit was crowded, so we opted for the north summit, from which there were great views of the Salish Sea, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, and the eastern Olympics. The day was clear and warm. In all, it was a grand day on Mt. Townsend.
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