Take the Mount Townsend trail to the junction with the Silver Lake trail, then take the Silver Lake trail to the saddle.
At the saddle, turn south and follow a boot path to the Welch Peaks summit. This scramble has some exposure, but is not difficult. The views are just as good as from the very popular Mount Townsend summit, but you will have much more solitude.
Be very careful if there is snow or ice present.
Welch Peaks
47.8592,
-123.0120
Map & Directions
-
Length
- 9.0 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 3,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,100 feet
This is an easy scramble from the saddle to the north of the much more popular Mount Townsend.
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Parking Pass/Entry Fee
None
Hiking Welch Peaks
Welch Peaks
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
Getting There
From Quilcene, drive US 101 south for 1.5 miles. (From Shelton follow US 101 north for 50.5 miles.) Turn right (west) onto Penny Creek Road. After 1.5 miles bear left onto Big Quilcene River Road (Forest Road 27). Drive 13.5 miles, ignoring the sign at 12.5 miles for the Mount Townsend Trail (that's the lower trail to Sink Lake). Turn left onto FR 27-190 and in 0.75 mile come to the trailhead.
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