Granite Mountain, WA - 10/2013
What a gorgeous day it was! The weather was almost like summer and
perfect hiking in T-shirt and shorts while Seattle remained fogged in
and cold. When I snowshoed up to the Granite's lookout via the avalanche
chute two years ago, I could only experience the south face of the
mountain. This time hiking along the trail to the lookout gave me a
chance to see the back side of the mountain, which was very enjoyable.
The trail condition is moderate over all with some muddy spots and
running water, but no biggie. About a foot deep snow begins after
passing the meadow (3.5 miles from trailhead), and the snow gets slushy
as you climb the last stretch to the lookout. Trekking poles are helpful
to hike up the steep switchbacks covered with slushy snow. This is a
strenuous hike as the trail gets steeper....3,800 feet elevation gain in
4 miles. It's a butt kicker, and you feel your thighs burning as you
push to ascend. But, the reward you see at the summit is worth the
effort. The 360 vistas from the lookout are spectacular, indeed....how
many peaks can you name on sight? Fall colors are still beautiful in
and around the open meadow, but fading fast. Ranger is on duty in the
lookout. He was giving fresh baked cookies to hikers....delicious! He
said he'd be there on duty until Wednesday. You may hike up to the
lookout by then? Granite Mountain is a great hike now for fall colors
with breathtaking views and no doubt butt kicking workout....and
perhaps, for ranger's fresh baked homemade cookies!
How to get there:
From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek).
Turn north over the freeway, turn left at the T, and drive to the nearby
Pratt Lake-Granite Mountain parking area.
| Roundtrip | 8.0 miles | |||
| Elevation Gain | 3800 ft | |||
| Highest Point | 5629 ft |
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