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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 5 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by DET on 12/11/2009 I hiked up to Granite Mountain yesterday (12/10/09), got to the trail head at 9:00 am. There were three cars in the lot. A beautiful sunny day. There was snow in the parking lot but once on the trail it was pretty dry. After hiking about 2 miles, we needed to put Yak Tracks on then ascended up a very snowy trail until the trail ended. At this point you have to pick your poisen, straight up the snow field or turn around. We ascended up very slowly, luckily the snow was crusty and it was cold and early enough to not have to worry about avalanches. Made it to the look out towever, very sketchy, wish I had cramp ons and if I do it again this winter, I will. Be prepared for a difficult climb and bring ice axes. We finished in 5.5 hours.
Reviewed by Dave on 10/22/2009 I hiked up to the lookout on Granite Mountain today. Got to the trail head about 9:30. There were only 6-7 cars in the lot on this Thursday. No rain forecast for today, but there was a light high altitude haze. There was some mud on the trail, mostly at the start. Only light frost at the top (no snow yet). This trail is very steep and you need to be in good condition to cover quickly during the winter months. Leaves were starting to turn and there was many leaves on the lower trail. Higher up the berry bushes still have their leaves, but they were very brown with all berries gone. For animals I saw one black squirel and a few birds, but nothing else. Left the trail head at 9:40 reached the lookout at 11:40. 
Reviewed by Jevon on 10/5/2009 Parking lot next to freeway so A for access. Unfortunately, you could hear I-90 during the whole hike, even at the summit, which detracted from the experience. It's a popular trail so expect it to be busy on a nice day. The trail itself is well maintained and the view at the top is nice. The day I hiked was clear and Rainier stood out beautifully. Good exercise for a short day hike. 1:55 up, 1:30 down, both at a quick pace. 
Reviewed by WEBBYD on 8/16/2009 This hike is hard work. I went in thinking it would be comparable to Mt Si, which I did last year. My hiking partner and I arrived at 11:00. (We are not early risers) The trail begins in the forest but the humidity kept us sweating hard as we broke out of the forest the views were incredible. We soon could see the lookout. It looked and was a long way off. It was weird though, just seeing the tower made the work to get there easier. Once on top the PBJ sandwich was the best ever. Mt.Rainier even poked out for a while. The way down I could feel my front quads and was very careful to not twist an ankle. I've hiked some great hikes but today's views were unbeatable and put Mt. Si to shame.
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. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||