We have camped in the cirque a couple of times, always in mid to late June. Much easier on snow. The SE summit is not hard, but a little tricky getting on to the rock. The first 10 feet is pretty vertical. We took a light rope to rappel back down.
We drove up from Bon Jon pass. Icy there, snow on the road. Had to park about a half mile below the pass. Maybe 45 minutes from car to Little Quil trailhead.
Trip: Mt. Townsend - North side direct
Date: 1/27/2007
Trip Report:
Best day of the winter. Views of Baker to St. Helens, Seattle skyline.
Gear Notes:
Snowshoes and crampons.
Approach Notes:
We went straight up from the road, descended via Little Quilcene trail.