Brief Trip Summary:
Trail(s) Utilized: Upper Mount Townsend Trailhead > Silver Lakes Trail > Welch's Peak Summit > Silver Lakes Trail > Mount Townsend Summit > Descent to Upper Mount Townsend Trailhead
Trail Conditions: The trail was in good shape. There was intermittent snow beginning a bit over a mile into the trail, but I assume that will melt off by this weekend. Both Welch's Peak and Mount Townsend have sufficient snow on their summits that I would expect it to persist into next week at least.
Road Conditions: Road is generally in good shape. The last mile or so has several potholes but is passable for all vehicles.
Special Considerations: If Welch's Peak is your goal, use caution. The trail in the summer is only a light scramble, but the snow can complicate otherwise simple routes. If you go this weekend, there is a chance that enough of the snow will have melted - thus making the trip much less eventful.
**There is a way to take the ridgeline from Welch's Peak all the way over to Mount Townsend without going back to the fork in the trail; however, given the current snow conditions I would advise against doing so as it will likely be more trouble than it is worth.
Begin this trail at the Mount Townsend (upper or lower TH) Trail. Follow the trail past Windy Camp and the (tiny) Windy Lake until you come to a fork in the road. To the right is the summit of Mount Townsend (as marked by a small sign), to the left is the continuation of the Silver Lakes Trail. Take a left and follow the Silver Lakes Trail for just under a half mile until you reach Windy Pass.
The Silver Lakes Trail continues up and over the pass and begins descending immediately. Your route however, branches off to the left at the pass. Find a faint boot path leading up the rocky ridgeline to your left. You will go up and over a few high points on the ridge, but there is nothing too technical about the climb and it is generally suitable for all individuals who are comfortable with some light scrambling. Follow the ridgeline to the obvious high point – Congrats, you made it!
**I did this climb in November (yesterday), when there was approximately a half inch of snow on the ground. I would not recommend doing this route in the snow unless you are prepared. Later in the season, when the snow is deeper, additional challenges may exist in the form of cornices, so caution will be your ally if attempting this peak in the winter**.
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