It was a moody Juneteenth in the Olympics, with a marine layer just hanging out over the mountains and hiding them from view. I organized a hike with folks from work and over ten people participated, many hiking up into the Eastern Olympics for the first time. I was excited for them but was worried that the weather would dampen spirits. I never want a first hike to be bad! The Olympics never disappoint though. Mt Townsend was our goal, and we all met at the trailhead at 9:00 am. Their was decent parking available at that time, and we gathered our gear, used the latrine, and started up the trail which quickly rises in elevation through a beautiful forest filled with rhododendrons, pink and wild.

Up and up the trail goes through switchbacks trudging back and forth through the woods. I try to count but then always lose track. Through the trees, the valley narrows and the peaks show their steep rock cliffs. Various flowers line the trail with their amazing variety of colors and shapes.

The clouds were just hanging out not too far above us, like a blanket over the valley below. Snow melt flows downhill and little waterfalls are prevalent giving a pleasant background soundtrack to the heavy breathing otherwise filling ones ears.

After a few hours of serious uphill exertion, we made it to the top for lunch. I always enjoy finding the USGS markers at the very top, verifying that YES, I did make it up.