October 17, 2011
By John
Mount Townsend/ Welch Peak
It was a beautiful day for I hike and therefore well attended. There were two options, either the traditional route to the top of Mt. Townsend or the more adventuresome Welch Peak.
The route to Welch Peak is on a “way trail” south from the pass leading to Silver Lake. The distance and elevation gain for both destinations is about the same. Welch Peak is just a little more “technical” as can be seen from the photos that follow.
It was a great day for a hike and it was a great hike. Blue sky, pleasant temperature, and no wind. Total distance traveled was about 8 miles. Total elevation gain and loss was a little over 3,000 feet. Time of hike was about 5 hours. These numbers are for both groups. All started at about the same time and returned at about the same time. Mt. Townsend is a little farther and a little higher, but Welch Peak has a little rock scrambling and some ups and downs to make up for the slightly shorter distance and lower elevation.
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- Mount Townsend/ Welch Peak
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- Mount Townsend/ Welch Peak
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- The map at the trailhead
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- A little micro scenery along the way
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- A little micro scenery along the way
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- A little micro scenery along the way
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- A little micro scenery along the way
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- Junction sign above Camp Windy
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- This is the view from the pass to Silver Lake. Welch Peak trail is to the left
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- Happy hikers
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- Happy hikers
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- Happy hikers
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- Happy hikers
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- Mt. Constance
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- Lunch on Welch Peak
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- John, John, Steve, Brian, and Jim
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- Jim and Mt. Townsend
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- Mt. Townsend and Ed
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- John and Constance
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- Frank and Brian
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- View to the southeast
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- View to the southwest
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- View of pass above Silver Lake from Welch Peak
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- View of Welch Peak from rock above Silver Lake
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- Silver Lake with new snow
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- Views of the Cascade Range included Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mt.Rainier
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- Views of the Cascade Range included Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mt.Rainier
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- Views of the Cascade Range included Mt. Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mt.Rainier
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- And a view of damsels basking in the sun
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- And a view of damsels basking in the sun
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- Down the ridge
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- Is this the best way?
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- Down the ridge
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- Down the ridge
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- King of Mountain
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- King of Mountain
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- Lunch on Mt. Townsend
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- Lunch on Mt. Townsend
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- Lunch on Mt. Townsend
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- Lunch on Mt. Townsend
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- views from mount townsend
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- views from mount townsend
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- views from mount townsend
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- views from mount townsend
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- Down from Townsend
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- Down from Townsend
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- Debbie and Faith
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- Joyce meets a dog
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