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Mt. Townsend Lower Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 18 Google reviews · Running trail in Quilcene, Washington · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mt. Townsend Lower Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Mt. Townsend Lower Trailhead
“it's beautiful in its own right but the more scenic fun route up in my opinion is via the little quilcene river trailhead on the other end of the mountain.”
Whew, about 4 miles or so to the top not a bad hike but does have steep parts. Some amazing views of the surrounding ranges. I forgot water when we did the hike. Not a good idea still manageble though. Can not wait to do it again as it was a great challenging place.
From the lower trailhead, it is a short uphill hike to the shelter. Water is flowing nearby into the lake. From the upper trailhead, it is a little bit longer of a hike, but all downhill.
Great trail, a little steep when you start the main TH but levels after a mile. Needs more directional signs for the different trails. pit toilets a bit full so just FYSA
This is the long way up this mountain..it's beautiful in its own right but the more scenic fun route up in my opinion is via the little quilcene river trailhead on the other end of the mountain..
Trail conditions & character
“it's beautiful in its own right but the more scenic fun route up in my opinion is via the little quilcene river trailhead on the other end of the mountain.”
“The east face is steep there are cliffs and the rock is loose so try to stay on the trail and pay attention to what you are doing.”
“it's beautiful in its own right but the more scenic fun route up in my opinion is via the little quilcene river trailhead on the other end of the mountain.”
“From there, a beautiful array of wildflowers flanks the path as you come to rocky outcroppings and switchback your way through the rocky face.”
Plan your run at Mt. Townsend Lower Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance1 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websitefs.usda.gov
- Phone(360) 956-2402
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Quilcene
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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