Little Quilcene River, Mount Townsend & Silver Lakes — Friday, Jun. 26, 2009

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Left Trailhead on FS2870 at 1PM, after parking at the Tubal Cain trailhead. The trail guide and the sign at the trailhead warned that this trail is steep (35% to 40% grade). They were not kidding, but the trail is in great condition. Rhodys are in full bloom!! Got to the Mt Townsend trail junction at 2:30 PM, just in time to see the clouds come in over the peak. Mt Townsend trail is in good condition. Weather was ok. minimal wind, and 50 degrees, but no views due to clouds. Small snow fields melting out on east side of ridge. This trail was in great shape also. Arrived at Silver Lake trail at 5:00 PM, after spend ing some time exploring the north and south summits. Silver Lake trail has several blow downs that people have created by-passes around. The first one is located .1 mile below the ridge, on the west side. I counted 10 blowdowns between the ridge and the lake. Other wise the trail is in good shape. Spent the night at Silver Lake with about 6 other tents. Barking dogs were a nusance. Also, there is no water on this route until you are .8 miles from Silver Lake. Next day dawned bright and clear. Using my GPS and an abandoned trail I had heard of, I made my way back to FS2870, about a mile from the Little Quilcene trail head. I would not recommend the route I took to get down, as the trail tread is poor, and I lost count after 40 blowdowns. I did notice what might be a new trail that is flagged, just down hill from where I came out to FS2870, so maybe the access to Silver Lake will improve in the future. Over all, a great hike. Just wish the clouds had not come in while I was on the summit. Oh well that will give me a reason to go back!