Mount Townsend — Friday, Jun. 6, 2003

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Trail is melted out enough to be fine for the typical hiker. There is still a fair amount of snow in the vicinity of Windy Lake, as well as one big patch just before the final pull up to the summit ridge. However, none involve any nasty slopes. No need for an ice axe; ski poles are helpful in a couple of places but not necessary. Two deadfalls across the trail, easily passed by hikers (one might create some complication for horses). Windy Lake is just starting to thaw out; most of the campsites thereabouts are snow covered. The large summit area is almost snowfree. Snow appears to be melting fast. Views were spectacular as usual, though the murk over Puget Sound made Seattle very hard to see. Tops of Rainier, Glacier, and Baker were visible. Temperature plus breeze combination on the top was just about perfect for comfort. Flowers are mostly in the glacier lily / wallflower stage, though a few lupine and paintbrush are just getting started in the lower rock gardens. Lots of phlox in the lowest open areas.