Mount Townsend — Saturday, Jun. 26, 2010

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Today we decided to check out the wildflower and snow status at Mount Townsend. An earlier trip report said that the patches of snow were not too bad, but I guess everything is relative in the world of hiking. At 9:30 a.m. we appeared to be the third party to head out. The previous day's hikers left comments on the trailhead register, warning of "snow in the last mile" but another noted a "splendid hike!" We enjoyed the beautiful miles up to Camp Windy, plenty of yellow violets in bloom, and we saw two Calypso orchids just after entering the Buckhorn Wilderness. So many others are poised to bloom soon. We soon climbed out of the fog/marine layer and enjoyed a view of the Cascade ridge. At Camp Windy we began to encounter snow on the trail, although the trail could still (sort of, carefully) be followed. Now, I like postholing in soft slippery deep snow about as much as I like picking my way through a boulder field (that is, not so much). For an unsure-footed person like me, both are nothing but compound fractures of the lower leg waiting to happen. We were passed of course by strapping young adults tromping and slipping their carefree way through the deep drifts, not to mention a senior, a couple of dogs, and a guy in sandals. Whatever. I nonetheless endeavored to get my companion to call it quits. We pushed on a bit further, since beyond Camp Windy the trail was substantially drier with many switchbacks snow free. So we made it to about a half mile or so below the summit, when I simply had had enough of the periodic drifts of snow. We'll be back soon, though, as the snow is melting fast. We did enjoy spectacular views of Rainier and Baker today. On the hike out, we encountered a sensible couple who elected to stop at Camp Windy, have lunch, and call it a day. For those of you who prefer an obstacle-free hiking experience, give this trail a bit longer to melt out before you head up.