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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 2 of 4 Submit your own review 
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.
Reviewed by pete on 10/7/2008 Hiked it the day after I flew in from DC. My calves were burning for days! Does anyone know what the total elevation is at the top?
Reviewed by Go4Hike on 9/27/2008 Lovely fall hike. I hike at a moderate rate and it took me just about 3 hours on the ascent to the fire lookout, the descent was 2 hours. Total elevation gain (cumulative according to my GPS) was roughly 3900' feet. Colors are starting to pop with fall color. I expect it will be even more beautiful a couple weeks from now as the colors become even more dramatic. This was a hot & sweaty hike up, but up at the lookout it is extremly windy and biting cold, so make sure you have layered clothing, hat & gloves recommended. Good views at the top. On the way out I did see a bear grazing amongst the blueberries in the meadows. Other folks I spoke with saw several bears, one man saw elk earlier in the morning.
Reviewed by CB on 9/4/2008 Me and my husband just completed the hike. It was a gorgeous day and we needed to stick to a tight schedule. Walking at a fast pace took us just shy of 2hours to go up and the decent took us 1 1/2 but we were jogging. Had to make it back for the school bus. We saw a black bear munching on wild berries.
Reviewed by EN on 8/25/2008 Tough hike, but nice and totally worth the views. We're moderately-fit and the climb took 2:45 and the decent took 2:00. Budget at least 1/2 hour on top. I'll agree that 4 hours round trip is impressive and only possible if you're super-fit.
Reviewed by NR on 8/16/2008 I have done this hike quite a few times, this time was the hardest though, being 5 months preggers. So Slow and steady it can be done even for some one carring a load. Lots of wild flowers still and berries aren't ripe yet. We went to the bottom of the rock pile, took us ~ 2.5hrs(which I usually just cruise up could have taken us 20-45mins.) 45mins if you go around the back which is nice and meandering. this is one of my favs, but my husband swears it's a killer.
Reviewed by Pete on 8/16/2008 It's a nice hike I do it quite often. It's entirely possible to do in 2.5 hours but most people are likely to do the round trip in 4 hours plus whatever time you spend at the top. There is always snow way into July and usually Huckleberries in Aug but this year the berry pickin' is very slim. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||