Welch Peaks

Summit #14 of 70--July 2, 2023

The big plan had been to scurry up four relatively easy summits in Washington’s Olympic Mountains, and do it in three days. Day One was Mount Townsend, followed by a twofer, Silver Lake Peak and Hawk Peak, on Day Two. Day Three was so smooth and quick and successful, it hardly bears describing. But it was a fun one, so I’ll give it a shot.

From Camp Windy along the Mount Townsend Trail, I scooted up the trail leading to the ridge crest between Townsend and Welch. Here, a climber’s path leads south along the ridge, sometimes right on top, occasionally side-hilling then shooting almost straight up to regain the crest. A few areas required some Class II rock, dirt and gravel scrambling, although one exposed spot I might rate II+ due to exposure. Still, it was easier than it looked. I don’t want to downplay the fair bit of exposure along much of the ridge, but experienced scramblers should find the going not too challenging. Definitely fun, however, and not too long.

Summit area, Welch Peaks

From the summit, I could see my first three peaks this trip, as well as Mounts Deception, Mystery and Constance, among many others. Washington’s four largest volcanoes were also visible, floating above a thin layer of clouds: Mount Baker (Koma Kulshan or “Great White Watcher”), Glacier Peak (Dakobed or “Great Parent”), Mount Rainier (Tahoma or “Mother of Waters”), and Mount Adams (Pahto or “Standing High,” or alternatively Klickitat or “Beyond”).

Welch summit with Mount Townsend behind

And my eyes couldn’t miss the gargantuan buildings at the Navy’s Bangor Submarine Base less that 20 miles to the southeast. Beyond were the tall building of Seattle, surprisingly clear. Port Townsend was slightly more distant to the northeast, but also plainly visible. I made a mental note to look back at Mount Townsend next time I’m on the ferry chugging that way.

I was back in camp just in time to catch Jim and Kiko on their way down and to the next adventure. It was great to be out in the wilds again with Jim. We never seem to run out of chatter in camp or on the trail. For my part, it was time to head home. But hey, four mountain tops in three days is just fine with me. Despite a little fog to kick things off, the trip was a winner overall. Can’t wait to go back.

Where to next? I have no idea. But only 56 to go!

I found these 14 rocks on my 14th summit. They really wanted to be a sundial.

Amazingly, the sundial even showed the correct time!