Mount Townsend — Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2002

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

This was the best trip to Mount Townsend I've ever taken. It's been a long time since I've done this hike in such perfect weather. Last year it started out clear but by the time we reached the summit the clouds completely obscurred the view east. Not only was this trip perfect in terms of weather, but we were one of only a few people on the trail. By the time we reached the first summit at about 1:30, we had it to ourselves, and after lunch as we strolled to the second summit, we realized we were the only ones on the mountain! The views in every direction were marvelous--three volcanos to the east, all the Olympics to the west. Even the usually misty Sound below us was clear enough to pick out each island. Although the flowers are no longer at their peak, there are still plenty to enjoy as the trail climbs through the upper meadows. The trail is so well-maintained that it makes hiking easy--even the 3000 feet of elevation seemed reasonable because of the good tread. On the way down we saw one lone hiker coming up--and it turned out it was someone we knew!