Hike of the Week: Silver Lakes
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| The Silver Lakes lie off the well-beaten path to Mount Townsend |
Silver Lakes
Two precious gems deep within the Buckhorn Wilderness
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
August 12, 2005
Quick Facts
Location: Buckhorn Wilderness, Olympic National Forest
Land Agency: National Forest Service
Roundtrip: 11.0 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 3,400 feet
Access: From Quilcene, WA drive south on US 101 for 1.5 miles. Turn right (west) onto Penny Creek Road. After 1.5 miles, bear left onto Big Quilcene River Road (Forest Road 27). Follow this road 13.5 miles-turning left onto FR 190 for one mile to trailhead. Hike begins on the Mount Townsend Trail.
Notes: NW Forest Pass required
Green Trails Map: Tyler Peak, WA No. 136
Mount Townsend certainly has its loyal legion of fans. This lofty and prominent northeastern Olympic Mountain rarely receives a reprieve from clunking hiking boots and clanking trekking poles. But, the scene is quite different for two little alpine lakes nestled in a remote cirque just south of the mountain. The Silver Lakes receive a fraction of the hikers that Mount Townsend entertains.
Getting to these quiet little lakes requires hiking the first three miles of the Mount Townsend Trail. Gaining over 2,600 feet of elevation, it’s a stiff little climb to the Silver Lakes Trail junction. Most hikers who make it this far are determined to see the top of Mount Townsend. The fact that the lakes lie another 2.5 miles away and 600 feet below deters them from changing their plans.
With assured solitude now, follow the Silver Lakes Trail through open forest, climbing 200 feet to a small notch on the ridge. Look east for a great view of Windy Lake and Sink Lake directly below. To the west, enjoy sweeping views of the Silver Creek Valley, but no lakes are in site. They’re hidden behind a small wooded knob.
Across a steep and barren slope, begin your descent into the Silver Creek Valley. Utilizing long switchbacks, the trail works its way back down into the forest. After 2.0 miles you’ll reach Silver Creek. Its sparkling and cascading waters sends out an invitation to follow it to its source. Begin climbing again. Through open spots in the forest, look back for a few good glimpses of Mount Townsend.
After a ½ mile from the creek crossing, the terrain opens up as you enter the Silver Lakes Basin. The upper lake lies right in front of you. Its waters shimmer in the afternoon sun and ripples with the breezes. Scout the shores and find yourself a warm rock to rest on. Enjoy the lake’s tranquility, broken only by jumping trout in pursuit of a morsel.
It’s easy to while away the time at this delightful spot, deep within the 44,500 acre Buckhorn Wilderness. But if the 5.5 miles in didn’t expend all your energy, there are lots of exploring options available. The high ridge to the south can be reached by following a primitive trail. The lower lake is reached by another primitive trail. It can be found on the small ridge near the upper lake’s outlet. No matter what you decide though, you’ll probably have the whole place to yourself.
