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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 4 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tom Arnold on 6/24/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: -- 
Reviewed by Duke on 6/15/2009 Great hike, first third is easy, second third kicks your butt then it's pretty steady the rest of the way. it was pretty busy coming down on Satruday morning and the trail was hard to follow over the snow but you can see the firetower so you know where you are going. great hike!
Reviewed by HAM on 5/23/2009 Did this today, very difficult. A lot of snow and no winter trail. Spectacular views on this spectacular day, very rewarding. On the way down, we lost the trail but find it with the help of a GPS Total time 6 hours 45 minutes. Not an easy hike these days, and actually a bit dangerous. Enoy
Reviewed by K & J on 5/10/2009 4/9/2009 We did this hike twice, last weekend, and this weekend. We were wiser the second time taking an ice axe, but were amazed to observe around 12 avalanches. We had to climbing parties and radioed between for safety. It was truly a difficult climb due to the lack of a winter trail, most people hike directly up the avalance chute (that was covered in new snow during our decent). It was so dangerous that many well equipted hikers turned around at the site of the first few humbling avalanches. Round trip 7 hrs..for moderatly inshape people. fantastic views, not for the faint of heart at high altitude.
Reviewed by Igor on 5/4/2009 Last Friday the weather was sunny and I climbed Granit Mountain. I succeeded but it was not at all easy. Granite Mountain is at exit 47 on I-90 and the trailhead is at elevation of 1900 feet. The mountain is 5629 so elevation gain is around 3800. Quite reasonable for day hike, but the problem that now there are still a lot of snow. That was certainly an objective. In a summer there is a well maintained trail, but now trail ends at elevation of 3000. At the point where train ends the easiest to go up is on snow, in narrow galley which has signs of winter avalanches, but now it seemed fine. Also I saw 5 people walking that route, it added to feeling of security. That was a wrong feeling.
Reviewed by Viewer on 1/18/2009 Spring skiing in January? Not a bad change of pace. Snow corned up perfectly early in the day, got a little rotten later in the day. One thing I feel I need to mention is to be cautious of taking the avy chute as your climbing route. Don't climb up the avy chute unless it's below freezing and after a good consolidation period. We saw a lot of people coming straight up the chute right after my partner and I descended the face. If we would have set something off, they would have all been killed. If you want to climb up the chute, stay off to the sides. Sorry to be a mom. Such a good day though.
Reviewed by Travis on 1/17/2009 Wow. Snowshoed/Climbed straight up the avalanche alley to the summit and lookout. Very difficult to go up, even harder to go down. Amazing views, worth the effort. Definitely wear sunglasses and sunscreen.
Reviewed by Victor on 11/23/2008 This is the sickest hike ever! It reminds me of the show Man Vs. Wild. You need to hit this mountain up. Especially in the early winter. Theres hell of a lot of snow but you can still make it. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||