Granite Mtn.

"I would probably recommend this trip to a friend."

Granite Mountain lookout tower at 5,629 feet. Winter trail straight up gaining 3,769 feet in 2.4 miles. It took 3 hours to reach the summit of Granite Mountain. The trail is open and dry until you reach the gully were the real trail heads east. The winter trail avoids the obvious avalanche gully and proceeded straight up the mountain.

The trail from here is a slippery slush climb for about a quarter mile. Once you reach the rocks along the ridge you can avoid the snow for the rest of the climb until you are almost at the summit. Climbing the lose granite slabs is a little tricky, I don't feel very good when a 2 ton rock slips when I step on it.

[Photos: from top to bottom: Granite Mtn. from I-90; view of I-90 from Granite Mtn.; the lookout; Mt. Rainier. Reuben Slasor photos.]

When you reach the Lookout Tower you will find that there is a huge crack in the snow and it looks like the huge overhanging snow will brake and slide down soon. I was unwilling to climb out beyond the crack so I did not get a photo of Crystal Lake. I did however get photos of Tuscohatchie Lake and every peak within 80 miles. You will get a great 360 view south to Mt Rainier and east To Mt Stuart.

I only found 6 people at the summit and passed another six on the trail. The parking lot was basically empty and this was a little surprising for May 29th. There is a lot of snow this year but It is also melting pretty fast due to the worm weather.

The hike down is a good test for week knees or ankles, I just climbed back down the rock slabs. I also passed a nude hiker at 3,000 feet hiking up the trail. I told him things would get windy and cold above 4,000 feet. This is the first nude hiker I have ever seen in Washington State, In California or Idaho this is normal stuff. 

I need a day to recover from this hike, I would have to rate it as difficult..

Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.