Mount Townsend — Tuesday, Sep. 13, 2011

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

This is one of the best day hikes I have ever done in my life. I would highly recommend doing it on a clear sunny day. The summit offers 360 degree views that encompass the Olympics, Puget Sound and the Cascades. The alpine meadows offered an abundance of wildflowers in many different sizes and colors. I started at the upper parking lot (FR 27-190)and the trail from there was in good condition. No blowdowns, easy to follow. However there were a lot of bees and yellowjackets along the way I nearly got swarmed while filling my water bottle just a little below the first stream (more of a trickle) crossing. They were not present at the summit though. I would recommend getting an early start on this hike. If the weather is good you'll definetly want to spend some time on top and admiring the views along the way.