Mount Townsend Trail

Olympic Peninsula. Spectacular views of Puget Sound and Hood Canal can be had at the summit of this trail. WTA will work on making the hike up a bit more enjoyable through annual maintenance efforts. We'll work on clearing the corridor of brush, improving drainage, and working on fixing any damaged tread.

The summit of Mount Townsend rewards its hikers with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound and Hood Canal. From this vantage point the volcanoes of the Cascades are also visable, not to be out done by the Olympic Mountains. The trail can be enjoyed on a day hike or backpack, gaining 2880 feet of elevation. There are a scattering of small flower gardens on the way up to Windy Lake and wonderful views on the south facing rock gardens.

Driving directions:
Meet at the Quilcene Ranger Station at 8:30 a.m. You will want to catch the 7:10 ferry at Edmonds to go to Kingston. The ranger station is 40 minutes from the ferry dock at Kingston. Follow Highway 104 from Kingston to the Hood Canal Bridge. There is a right turn at a stop light a couple miles out of Kingston signed Port Gamble. Drive across the Hood Canal Bridge, continuing west on US 104. At about 19.9 miles from the ferry dock is a sign for Pt. Townsend/Quilcene. It is followed quickly by a sign for the Olympic Music Festival. After this sign turn right and cross under Highway 104. This road ends in 11 miles in Quilcene at an intersection with Highway 101. Turn left or south on US 101, into Quilcene. The ranger station is located on the north side of Hwy 101 as it leaves Quilcene heading south. (Driving and ferry time from Edmonds: approximately 1.15 hour. It is advisable to be at the ferry dock early during peak vacation periods.)