Cleaning with Karma on Mount Townsend

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Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Distance: 6.5 miles Round Trip (some of us did some extra hiking)
Trailhead: 4000 feet (GPS N47 53.211 W123 02.514)
Highpoint: 6285 feet (GPS N47 52.048 W123 03.569)
Elevation Gain: 2285 feet
Hike Difficulty Calculator Score: 21 - Difficult
Trail Notes: Road to trailhead free of snow. Some snow on trail, none at top. No snowshoes needed.
Pass/Parking: Pass is NOT required at the Little Quilcene trailhead.

As always, click on the pictures for easier viewing.

Photos of this hike are located here.

This week's destination was much more than a hike to a wonderful place with awesome views. With decent weather forecasted, several members of Kitsap Climbers Group thought it would be a good time to perform some trail maintenance. Olympic National Forest trail # 835, Little Quilcene trail, was selected as it had yet to be cleaned up from the storms over the past winter and when coupled with following a connecting trail, yields magnificent views from Mount Townsend. Taking this route to the peak of Townsend equates to less distance (6.5 v 8 miles) and less elevation gain ( 2300 v 2800 ft) than the more widely known Mount Townsend trail # 839.

The call to come out and help clean the trail was answered by a various collection of criminals, I mean characters. m:-)m There were over of dozen of us that met at the park-n-ride to carpool to the trailhead. With the first photo below, left to right, the volunteers included; Vivien, Jim, Paul, Don, Willie, John, Mike, Cheryl, Bob, Jack, Gino, Dave (met us at the trailhead) and the volunteer with the most trail energy was Kiwi, my two and a half year old Australian cattle dog.

The cast of characters mmmSomeone is ready to hike mmmTypical first ~750ft of elevation


Before reaching the trailhead, be sure to bring plenty of water for the whole day as there is no consistent supply of water along this route. Those wanting to see their goal for the hike can view the Townsend ridge from the widened trailhead parking lot. Its right there in a southwest direction, only a few hours of hiking between you and the peak. m:-)m The hiker begins trail 835 with a steady, and sometimes difficult grade to ascend. This will last about a mile and then begin to level off. Non-experienced hikers and youth might need to take their time to prevent over-exertion. Though the awesome views waiting at the top are more than worth effort.

Making our along the trail, Nature provided us with a varied selection of flora to enjoy. Douglas-Fir, Yellow Cedar, Western Hemlock, and further up the ridge was Subalpine Fir. Rhododendrons were beginning to bloom at this elevation and trilliums could still be seen with the practiced eye. We encountered patches of snow around 4500ft, crossing some sections that were holding out from the heavier than normal snowfall over this past winter. Only good hiking boots need be recommended. There was a variety of footware amongst us, with some wearing gaiters, all being of personal preference, and not really dictated by the trail conditions. Temperature was in the 55-65F range, with the wind making a considerable influence as we exited the treeline.

Some of the tame wildlife :-)mmmm Name that tree...mmmmmPhlox


As we strung out along the trail, hiking at our preferred pace, the maintenance crew could be heard clearing blowdowns from the trail. Trail maintenance is not rocket science but you do have to think. It can consist of leveling the grade of the trail, designing outslopes to permit water runoff, installing water bars to divert runoff if necessary, pruning of plants and trees that present a hazard to the hiker, and clearing blockages of the trail whether they be of wood, rock, or dirt. Our efforts basically consisted of clearing the blown down trees that were blocking the trail as that was the only maintenance needed. It is hard work though, especially when performed only with hand tools. But we had one smart fellow that had brought along a chainsaw. m:-)

We encountered, and he overcame, approximately six large blowdowns consisting of multiple trees. Limbs would be cut off and tossed off the trail and then the tree trunks would receive the attention of the chainsaw. A few grunts here and some heave-hoes there would have the offending debris clear of the trail.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE TRAIL AFTER THE EFFORTS. mOVERWHELMING APPRECIATION TO ALL.

Man hard at work mmmmmmmMen hardly working :-)mmmmMaking a difference


Coming out of the treeline we were offered north westerly views of Dirty Face Ridge, hints of Tull Canyon which lead to the Tubal Cain Mine of the early 1900s, and a plethora of peaks that included Maynard Peak at 5065ft, Tyler Peak at 6364ft, Mount Baldy at 6797ft, Gray Wolf at 7218ft, Mount Walkinshaw at 7378ft and many more. Approaching the ridge, with its exposed contours, we could see how the shortage of water affected the height and growth of vegetation around us. The Fir trees were shorter and more stout with solid, thick needles to withstand the harsh winds and snows. The Phlox that was sprinkled around us was of the creeping variety, staying low to the ground and spreading itself outward for better water collection than if it grew upward. We encountered phlox in colors than ran from pure white, light pink, pink, red, to crimson. (Don't forget the many other photos taken and posted at the above link)

Wonderful views mmmmmmmNature's art mmmmmmmmmEffects of weathering


As we put one boot in front of the other on the trail to the top, the strong mountain wind welcomed us with gusts to 30 mph. I had to stop and put on a long sleeve pullover as a another layer for warmth. Perspiration from exertion, cool temps and strong winds can lead to hypothermia. If a person is wet, in a mild wind, it can occur in less than an hour at temperatures as high as 59F. Be aware of your conditions, environmental changes, and react accordingly. Always recommend traveling with an experienced hiker/guide and/or attending a basic mountaineering course. The primary goal of the hike is not to make it to the peak, but to return safely.

Always in good, knowledgeable care, we arrived at the top of Mount Townsend (6285ft) a little before noon. Though windy and overcast with high clouds, we still took in the offered panoramic views. The San Juan Islands of Puget Sound were visible to the northeast, the shores of Canada to the North, The many mountainous peaks of the Olympic peninsula to the west, and the city of Seattle to the east.

Describing the peaks mmmmmPuget Sound Islands mmmmmMount Constance.....\/


Arrival at the peak allowed us to take a well earned rest from the trail maintenance efforts. A few other hikers were at the peak, having approached the top via the longer trail, #839. Spreading out, we selected our own spots to relax and refuel with our own personal menus and yummy treats. Except for Kiwi. She had so much energy this trip it was hard to believe. She would be going up and down the trail, keeping an eye on the 'herd' she was in charge of. Watching the trail maintenance, she would grab a limb and start pulling. If we stood around longer than necessary she would begin barking and jumping, urging us to continue on. I believe we were all jealous of her energy. LOL

Mountain Man Dave :-) mmmmU.S. Geological markermmmEarned rest


Well fed, watered, and relaxed, we savored the sweeping views. The photos of Nature's creation do no justice to what our souls enjoyed. I don't know if it was the wind or something inside that brought a little moisture to my eyes.

After our brief indulgence atop Townsend, we elected to return via the ridgeline and take a short cut to pick up the trail on the north side. There really is no trail to follow. Coming off the ridge we hit the treeline and began to bushwhack our way through whatever was in front of us. Much steeper as the route profile shows below, our route had some declines that allowed our backsides to bump bottoms with the mountain. Bushes, branches, and other bothersome obstacles were overcome with sheer determination. The slip here, cut on the forehead there, and scrapes on both knees certainly failed in causing me to forget that I did not vote for this path. mLOLm I was mentally cussing up a storm when all of a sudden a nice flat trail was at my feet. John had guided us back to the trail with his experienced, unerring accuracy. Good thing I had a shot of bourbon left over from the toast at the top. I quickly dropped my pack, covered in moss, dirt and twigs, opened my pack and took a long pull of the invigorating tonic. Then I slowly relaxed, feeling the soothing spread of warmth as it made its coursed its way through the body. Ahhhh

Hikers panorama mmmmmmmDestination downward mmmRemnants of Crow's Nest Hotel


Once back on a level route, we took advantage of the recently removed blowdowns and groomed trail to make good time going down. Along with his vast experience in navigating the Olympics, John surprised us with a little history also. He made a slight right turn off the trail, using no signs and no markers, and introduced us to the remains of the Last Water Hotel. John was able to show us a few of the remaining logs (third photo above) and coupled with Jim, provided us with a little history that went something like this..

Around the turn of the twentieth century copper was discovered in the Dungeness River drainage. Later that year, a mining company headquartered in Seattle built a trail and began to mine ore out of the area. Two camps were established: Copper City at the bottom of the Copper Valley, and Tull city located in Tull Canyon. Evidence of these camps such as metal boilers, wire, and old cabins are still visible today. After several cave-ins, washouts, and low density ore, the mine was abandoned around 1906. The trail to the sites was originally made (some suspect all the way from Quilcene) to the mines with several shelters or "hotels" built for the workers to spend the night. This particular hotel, from gathered information was called the Crow's Nest Hotel.

Hard work trail maintenance, a variety of ecosystems, wonderful skyline views, some challenging terrain, and evidence of past local history, this was an outing to remember. Good friends, great homemade cookies, and a furry trail dynamo all contributed to a wonderful outing. Just awesome!!

Relaxation upon return mmmmOne tired puppy mmmmmmLords Lake



Full Route Topo mmmmmmPartial Route Topo mmmmmmRoute Profile



Video:


Driving Directions:
(Note - My directions differ somewhat from the directions provided by the Forest Service. The link to their site is here, search for trail # 835. Also, my GPS map software differs from the Forest Service and the directions I provide below. SO, in summary, read the FS directions and mine along with the pics I inserted below, and you should reach the trailhead)
From U.S. Highway 101, two miles north of Quilcene, take Lords Lake Road/Little Quilcene Road to Forest Service Road 28. Take the right fork onto FS 28 (Gold Creek Road) . Follow this to the end where a sign alerts you to Forest Service Road 27 and another sign provides direction and distance to Mount Townsend and the Big Quilcene Trailheads. You need to turn RIGHT, in the opposite direction of the sign. Travel along FS 27, climbing continuously for just over 4.5 miles. You will turn a sharp, wide corner and notice the the road begins to decline. Stop right at the corner as that is the location of the trailhead, (GPS N47 53.211 W123 02.514). If there are any issues with the directions provided, please let me know.

Turn RIGHT at this sign mmmGPS software driving route