Olympic National Forest
Mt Townsend Day Hike
Highlights: Outstanding day hike for the whole family. Great views of peaks and puget sound.
Near: Quilcene, WA
Scenery:
Distance: 6.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2307 ft
Hike Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Out and Back
Summary: This hike provides an outstanding alternate route to the Mt. Townsend summit. Grand views of the Olympic Mountains rise to the west and a fantastic overlook of Puget Sound lies to the East. Mount Rainier towers above the clouds on clear days. The trail is well maintained and easy to follow, but no water is available!
The trailhead begins at 4030 ft. The first mile is a moderate incline but then levels out for an easy walk through thick forests and occasional glimpses of the valleys nestled below to the north. The Canadian coast can be seen on clear days. The trail splits at approximate 2.0 miles. To the right is the trail to the Tubal Cain Mine, but stay to the left and continue upward. At 2.5 miles you come to a beautiful rock overlook of snow peaks and lush valleys below. This is a great spot for a rest and snack. Continue up and leave the thick forest for Alpine surroundings. Three switchbacks and you're there! Final elevation 6278. ENJOY THE VIEW
Trailhead: Purchase a one-day parking pass at the Quilcene Ranger Station. From the ranger station, head north on highway 101 for 2.3 miles. Turn left on Lord's Lake Loop Rd. Travel 3.3 miles to Lord's Lake where the road veers left and becomes a dirt road. Proceed 3.9 miles to the National Forest boundary and continue along this road. At 7.3 miles you will arrive at a T-Intersection. Turn right on to forest road 2728 (some maps show this road as 2810) toward Mt. Zion and the Little Quilcene Trail. At 8.6 you will arrive at a fork in the road. Stay to the left, which becomes forest road 2820. At 11.9 miles you will arrive at the trail head for Little Quilcene Trail #835. The road widens at this point to provide adequate parking area. (Lat:47.88692 Lon:-123.04045)
