Mount Townsend peak
Mount Townsend rises to 6,280 ft in Pacific-Ranges within the Olympic Mountains range.
Standing at an elevation of approximately 2,202 meters (7,225 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The mountain's size is quite impressive, with a prominence of around 1,005 meters (3,297 feet) and a topographic isolation of 8.3 kilometers (5.15 miles).
During the winter season, Mount Townsend receives a substantial amount of snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The snowpack range varies depending on the year, but on average, the mountain accumulates between 2-4 meters (6-13 feet) of snow. The heavy snowpack and steep terrain make it ideal for backcountry skiing and snowshoeing, but caution is advised due to potential avalanche hazards.
Several creeks and rivers benefit from the runoff generated by Mount Townsend. These waterways include Big Quilcene River, Dungeness River, and Gray Wolf River. Their flow is fed by the melting snow and glaciers found on the mountain's slopes, providing a vital water source for the surrounding ecosystems and communities.
The name "Mount Townsend" honors David Dwight Townsend, a surveyor and geographer who worked extensively in the Pacific Northwest during the 19th century. There are no specific legends or lore associated with the mountain, but its majestic presence and challenging nature continue to captivate adventurers, making it a cherished destination for mountaineers and hikers alike.
For trail conditions and access, search Wikipedia or the local land manager's site. Browse other peaks in the Pacific-Ranges range.
Snowpack near Mount Townsend
Snow water equivalent and snowpack depth at SNOTEL stations near the peak. Best proxy for what's currently sitting on the summit.
| SNOTEL station | Snowpack | View |
|---|---|---|
| Nohrsc Buckinghorse | 5 in | → |
| Buckinghorse | 6 in | → |
Streamflow near Mount Townsend
USGS streamgauges in the basin drained by this peak. Spring snowmelt from the summit feeds these flows.
| Gauge | Streamflow | View |
|---|---|---|
| South Fork Skokomish River Near Union | 198 cfs | → |
| Olsen Creek Near Bellingham | 2 cfs | → |
| Wynoochee River Near Grisdale | 214 cfs | → |
| Huge Creek Near Wauna | 7 cfs | → |
| Wynoochee River Above Save Creek Near Aberdeen | 340 cfs | → |
| Skokomish River Near Potlatch | 606 cfs | → |
| North Fork Skokomish River Near Potlatch | 261 cfs | → |
Plan around incoming weather
Same NOAA / yr.no feed Snoflo's iOS app uses. Watch the precipitation column -- snow at this elevation typically lags the radar signature by a few hours.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day forecast
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
What's around Mount Townsend
Ski areas, river runs, fishing spots, campgrounds, parks, reservoirs, and boat launches within driving distance of Mount Townsend.
Ski areas
- Grouse Mountain
- Garibaldi At Squamish
- The Summit At Snoqualmie
- Mt. Baker Ski Area
- Hemlock Resort
- Mt. Hood Skibowl
River runs
- Forest Road 2860 Bridge To Silver Creek
- Confluence Of Milk Creek And Heather Creeks To Forest Road 2860 Bridge
- Silver Creek To Sleepy Hollow Creek
- Olympic Nf/Olympic Np Boundary To Usfs Road 2870 Bridge
- Usfs Road 2870 Bridge To Confluence With Dungeness River
- Headwaters At 5700 Ft In The Royal Basin And Includes All Tributaries Within The Park To Eastern Boundary Of Olympic National Forest
Get Mount Townsend on your phone.
Save this peak as a favorite and get push alerts when storms move in, fresh snow falls upstream, or NWS issues a weather warning. Free, account optional.
Scan to install Look for this on your home screen
Set up an alert
Custom alerts are configured in the Snoflo iOS app. Open the app, navigate to this peak, and tap the bell icon to set thresholds for snowfall, temperature, or wind.