Four of us and our golden retriever hiked the Upper Townsend Trail (#839) today. Although there were low marine clouds when we left home, by the time we reached the summit, they were long gone. After a long lunch, we hiked back down ahead of an approaching front. So, our timing was perfect: started hiking at 9:45 a.m.
Parking is limited; we arrived at 9:30 a.m. and got one of the last parking spots. Other trip reports are very accurate: no snow, the trail is in great shape. Although we heard bugs (mostly horse flies), they did not bother me. We did pass a shirtless man climbing up the trail as we descended who complained about them.
We all felt that the difficulty of the hike was moderate - but that's obviously relative to each person. We agreed that the descend was more difficult than the ascend - especially the bottom half. Hiking poles were a welcome relief.
The wild flowers are amazing and the views are spectacular. We didn't see many people until we concluded our lunch and were starting back down. So, more people arrived well after our 9:30 a.m. arrival time than before it.
Comments
IronBoots on Mount Townsend
considering going late on a saturday and staying the night, any ideas what the best trail to the top would be, or quieter one so can get parking! Also did you see any campsites? ( Thanks!)
Posted by:
IronBoots on Jul 20, 2017 05:49 PM
RunningHorse on Mount Townsend
Sorry - have been in North Cascades and just saw your comment. I have only taken the "main" trail - the upper one but I did see a couple of others listed in its description that you might try. Also, we did not see camp sites BUT weren't looking so might have missed them. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. You could always drop off at the trailhead and then park your vehicle on the road at the upper trail's trail head.
Posted by:
RunningHorse on Jul 21, 2017 09:51 PM