Granite Mountain, WA

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