Green Mountain Attempt (NW Olympics) 2-21-2014

Mount Townsend in the Olympics seemed like a relatively safe option given the considerable avalanche danger forecast. I wasn't too hopeful about reaching the trailhead by car so i planned to use nearby Green Mountain as a backup in case the snow stopped me more than 4 miles away. I played it safe and pulled out at a break in the ruts about 7 miles out when about 6 inches covered the road. It snowed lightly most of the day besides a few short sun breaks.




We followed Road 2812 for a few miles before heading up an unmarked road at the base of a short ridge that branched off of the north to south ridge that makes up Green Mountain. In less than a mile I reached the roads end and began the bushwhacking. After struggling with thick snow-covered brush for about 20 minutes only to gain about 50', I turned back and began to think more about tomorrow's summit with Colin. On the return I found a fresh set of ski tracks joined by a dog, and passed the pair as they were loading up to leave. A long drive for such a short snowshoe, but better than sitting home or getting rained on elsewhere!