Port Angeles, WA: Mount Townsend via Mount Townsend Trail (No. 839)
Soak up five-star views of the snow-capped Cascades and Seattle's skyline from a 6,280-foot summit on this 8.5-miler in Olympic National Forest.
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This 8.5-miler tops out on a 6,280-foot perch with postcard-worthy views of Seattle’s skyline and the snow-capped Cascades. From the trailhead, ascend 3,420 feet through old-growth forest and two dozen switchbacks that zigzag up Townsend’s southeast slopes.
After traversing the summit ridge, climb a short side trail that leads to the high point. Enjoy views of Seattle, Mt. Baker, and Mt. Rainier to the east, and Royal Basin (with the highest concentration of the Olympic Mountains’ 7,000-foot peaks) to the west.
Trail Facts
- Distance: 13.7
Waypoints
TOW001
Location: 47.859001, -123.019109
Hike west from the trailhead.
TOW002
Location: 47.858641, -123.022285
Pass Townsend Creek.
TOW003
Location: 47.858699, -123.024902
Pass Sink Lake on your left and a shelter on your right.
TOW004
Location: 47.860023, -123.053141
The switchback climb starts here.
TOW005
Location: 47.857806, -123.057818
Pass Camp Windy on your left.
TOW006
Location: 47.859332, -123.058462
Continue straight on the trail to reach the summit of Mt. Townsend. Side trip: Go left at the fork to visit Silver Lake.
TOW007
Location: 47.860426, -123.061187
Pass the final switchback and follow the ridge north to the summit.
TOW009
Location: 47.864054, -123.060565
Look behind you to see the Welch Peaks.
TOW010
Location: 47.867523, -123.059556
Mt. Townsend’s summit showcases views of Seattle’s skyline, Mt. Rainier, and Royal Basin (flanked by Olympic’s highest
concentration of 7,000-foot peaks). Retrace your route to the trailhead.
