Mt Townsend,  Olympic National Park,  September 12, 2011     page 24 / 24

I headed down the trail, making good time. I thought the steep grade might make travel slow, but I went from summit to trailhead in about ninety minutes. The day began to warm up, too. Returning to my car, I was glad to find it still in the shade. The ice-cold juice from my cooler was particularly satisfying!

Though the hike up Mt Townsend was certainly tough, and the trail dry, the views were worth the effort. Perhaps I'll try this hike again, but from one of the eastern trailheads.