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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts off in the forest and climbs quickly. Although it is steep, it's a consistent elevation gain and there are many switchbacks, so the grade is not too terrible. At about one mile, the trail splits. Go right. You'll be in trees for another 1/2 mile. Then, the way opens up to switchbacks galore. Finally, the trail turns towards the right and you have a chance to admire the views. It is flatter here, too. The trail eventually turns back to the west. You'll come to several tarns with at least one campsite. Stay to the east of the tarns and to the north and east of the rocks. The trail will run close to the rocks and eventually climb through them, bringing you to the fire lookout at the top. Look for Rainier, Baker, Stuart, and the peaks around Snoqualmie Pass. You can also see a number of lakes. Caution -- Avalanches can be a problem here until July. Trailhead: Take 1-90 east from Seattle to exit 47. Take a left (north). Cross highway, go left (west). Trailhead is 0.5 miles ahead at the end of the road. Trailhead is shared with Pratt Lake trailhead. (Lat:47.397 Lon:-121.486) Trail Guides for Granite Mountain: 100 Hikes in the Alpine Lakes by Ira Spring (Mountaineers) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: North Bend Ranger Station (425) 888-1421 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Marybeth Dingledy, who has posted 8 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by scott on 7/6/2008 The reviewer who claims 2.5 hours is exaggerating. If you are an olympic cross-country athelete running top speed you might make it in 4 hours, and you'll risk injury. Great views, mostly friendly other hikers and enough range of challenge for beginners to pros. Be prepared to turn back early if you're not prepared for a challenging hike, because going back down is a lot harder than you may think while you go up :)
Reviewed by JPM on 4/19/2008 If you hike this in the winter make sure you are well schooled regarding avalanches. I had a near death experience at 1:16 pm last Friday (4/11/2008) on Granite Mountain. A horrendous avalanche, actually three separate ones about half an hour apart but the first one was right next to us. These were big, big, big avalanches with ice chunks the size of busses coming down in a stream that was kilometers long and 100 meters wide. I don't know how deep but I got to imagine 3-5 meters deep at least. It sheared trees like they were nothing. The power, the sounds, the smell of fresh sheared pine is something I will never forget. I can point to three miracles that kept us out of its path - God doesn't want me yet. Be careful.
Reviewed by Jawad Remtula on 3/10/2008 awesome hike not very difficult did it in 2.5 hrs lots of snow at the top amazing view, a must hike. Jawad Vancouver
Reviewed by jay on 1/27/2008 Did this hike with two of my close buddies yesterday, and we were vastly unprepared. The summer trail seemed pretty well packed down, and seemed too easy for us in our jeans and hiking/tennis shoes, so we followed somebody else's trail which followed the valley in 3-4 feet deep of snow. The steepness approached ridiculous quickly, and we never made it to the top because there was a blizzard that started. I recommend trying this hike only if you have crampons and possibly and axe if you go off trail.
Reviewed by mad Mike on 1/25/2008 Full Moon Fever! 
Reviewed by hans b on 11/21/2007 I hiked this in April 2006, on leave from Iraq - loved it, but was cautioned by several re: avalanches - once leaving the trees I was able to keep up and out of avalanche chutes as there was heavy snowpack upon which to climb. Then enjoyed glissades for many vertical feet which really made the way down shorter work!!!
Reviewed by molly on 9/3/2007 We went up on 9/1/07 and had fabulous weather and visibility, almost zero bugs, and saw very few other hikers. Views from the top were outstanding. The tower was locked but manned with some forest services folks watching a fire. Huckleberries in the alpine meadow by the fistful, enough to bring home for a cobbler. Highly recommended, quite close to Seattle.
Reviewed by Aglaya on 8/29/2007 The huckleberries are out! Since Sunday started off with clouds and mist, my friend and I opted to pick from the plentiful delicious huckleberry bushes along the trail right below the final climb. The day did clear a bit, and the views from the fire lookout were decent, but that last mile of the hike was just beautiful with alpine meadows and baby marmots chasing eachother around. No bugs, but it was rainy. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, King County Hiking, King County Trails, King County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||