Mount Ellinor
6 days ago
Snowfields to cross, icy patches
5 this month · 157 reports
Mount Townsend
Olympic Peninsula
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Mount Townsend is in good condition, with no snow reported as of November 3. The access road is generally rough but passable, with significant potholes noted specifically near the parking lot on November 3 and at the end of the road on October 11 and September 27. Some reports indicate the road is suitable for all vehicles, with careful navigation around potholes, particularly on the final gravel stretch, September 27, and August 26. Fall colors are not prominent, with one report noting "not much in the way of fall color" on October 11 due to a dry year. Crowds appear to be moderate to busy on weekends.
Generated from 87 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Mount Townsend
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is generally rough but passable, with significant potholes reported near the parking area. Some reports from October 3, September 27, and August 26 suggest it is suitable for all vehicles with careful driving, while others note rough sections that may require patience or caution.
As of November 3, there were intermittent snow patches on the trail, described as not hard to cross. Prior to that, reports from October 3 through October 22 indicated the trail was snow-free.
Most reports from August through October indicate the trail is in good condition with no significant obstacles. One report from August 14 mentioned minor obstacles like trees down on a connecting trail, but they posed few problems.
Bugs have not been a significant issue in recent reports, with no bugs noted on November 3, October 22, October 13, October 11, October 3, September 27, September 25, September 21, and August 26. However, one report from August 14 described horseflies as terrible.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Access road is good most of the way. Some huge potholes right before the parking lot. There were patches of snow visible and eventually the trail was all snow, but easy to maneuver on. The Summit ...
Recent2 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
I had Mount Townsend to myself Thursday evening. I didn't see a soul, except a rabbit and a douglas squirrel, from the Little Quilcene trailhead to the summit and back.I arrived at the trailhead to fo...
Recent4 weeks ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
1st one in the lot. Vault tiolet, out of tp. Hiked out early with lots of clouds and limited visibility. Trail in great shape! Up on top windy and drizzly with the Sun popping out a few times! L...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
The trail is beautifully built and in great shape. It was chilly at the top. Not much in the way of fall color, but we were delighted by the the trees and every blade of grass at the ridge being half ...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Weather perfect. Temperature in the 60's, saw all the snocones from Garibaldi to St. Helens. Busy place, 50 people on the trail. Didn't count the dogs but likely 15-20. Little fall color, maybe a cons...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
It was a five-volcano day on Townsend today -- picture perfect conditions, and not nearly as crowded as I expected on a beautiful Sunday.The trail is in as good a shape as I've seen it, with some rece...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Quilcene Ranger Station currently is open only Tuesday and Wednesday, as I learned on a Sunday.Road was great until last .5 mile. Perfectly navigable, just some potholes. At the trailhead, it was sunn...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
I found a headlamp on the trail and left it by the entry post.The drive up was fine, I went to the upper entrance which I might not do again with my sedan. There were some downed trees on and around t...
Older1 month ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
Started out at sunrise! A few cars in the upper lot, some overnight campers. This is always a great hike and a good one to challenge your hike times! Trails in great shape! A must do if you haven't ye...
Older2 months ago
Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
!! Helpful tip: Road is suitable for all vehicles, but not all roads are created equal. There are two ways to get to the upper Mt. Townsend trailhead-- the northern loop(via Little Quilcene Rd on the ...