The trail is fairly steep and relentless. Maybe not the best choice for the first hike of the year. Lisa looked like she was going to blow an o-ring during the last set of switchbacks.

Mt. Townsend offers an amazing view of the entire Puget Sound region: Seattle, the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Vancouver Island, the San Juan Islands, the Olympics, and the Cascades. On a clear day, you can probably see all the way to Oregon.

Unfortunately, we found the view obscured by the dark stripe of smog that obscured all but the very tip of Mt. Baker and most of Mt. Rainier. The best time to do this hike would be just after a storm when the air is very clear.

There are wild rhododendrons galore in the lower parts of the trail and the wildflowers alone make the hike worthwhile.

Minus: everybody and their little dog too. I've never seen so many dogs on a trail before.