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CHS 1 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Mount Townsend Trail

Hike through old forest growth and meadows to an alpine summit with 360 degree views of the San Juans, the Olympics and across the Sound to the Cascades. CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph)

Contacts

Rayna Weth
Rayna Weth
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

Expect to carpool from the Mountlake Terrace Park & Ride at 5:40 AM to catch the 6:10 Edmonds Ferry or meet at the Hood Canal Ranger District Quilcene Station at 7:40 AM.  This should put us at the Upper Mount Townsend trailhead by 8:30 and find parking near the trailhead.  NW Forest Pass  or equivalent is needed at the trailhead.

While the trail is steep at about 750 feet per mile, it should be in good condition.  There is a small water source at Windy Camp which is 2.5 miles from the trailhead.  Optional after hike social in Quilcene.  Depending on ferry traffic, expect to take an (early) evening ferry back to Edmonds.

Route/Place

Mount Townsend


  • USGS Mt Townsend
    Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
    Custom Correct Buckhorn Wilderness
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports