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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Mount Townsend

A fabulous hike on the Olympic peninsula with wildflowers and stunning 360 degree views . CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph)

Contacts

Julie Cauthorn
Julie Cauthorn
Primary Leader
Rita Annen
Rita Annen
Co-Leader
  • Strenuous 4, Technical 2, Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,010 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,280 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-3.0 mph

We will meet at the Edmonds Park & Ride at 6:15am, and carpool to the ferry terminal for the 7:10am ferry.  From Kingston the drive to the trailhead takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Ferry expenses will be shared by riders. We plan to be on the trail by ~9:30am.

No parking pass is required and there are toilets at the trailhead.

Directions to the Upper Trailhead: Take US 101 south from the Quilcene Ranger Station 0.9 miles. Take the slight right onto the Penny Creek Road and drive through the grounds of the Penny Creek Quarry. In 1.5 miles, take the left fork onto Forest Road 27 and follow it 13.5 miles before turning left onto FR27-190. The trailhead is at the end of this spur road. Amenities include a vault toilet. Ignore the signs for Mount Townsend at 12.5 miles. This will lead you to the “Lower Trailhead”.

This is one of my all time favorite hikes!

Hike details will be emailed to registered participants.

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