Granite Mt. Lookout, McLellan Butte and Mt Si
Trip report by Bill Hanson
For a great workout and greater challenge, climb these three peaks in one day. Ordinarily I wouldn't advise hiking for distance or accomplishment. We go into the mountains for more than that, but my friend challenged me, and I couldn't so no. It was an unusually dry fall, so we had no wet trails and sunshine all day.
We started up Granite Mountain in the dark and hiked into the sweet morning air. The only hikers on the trail, we breezed to the top in no time and sat for a few minutes in the clear sunny air of autumn. We came down in quick time and my wife (love of my life) drove us to McLellan Butte.
Halfway up McLellan, we began to think what a stupid idea this was and maybe two mountains would be enough. We came down and, while sitting by the car eating sandwiches, decided two was enough. But after the thirty minute rest, we said, "Let's go to Si and start out. If we get beat we'll turn back and call it good."
We ate and drank like pigs on the short drive and started out feeling like 300 lb. pigs. But after a mile or so we started to feel better. About half way up we realized we were going to actually do it. The adrenelin swept us to the top just as the sun was going down. Again, we were the only ones on the trail. We declined The Haystack, rested for ten minutes and started down.
Most of the way back was in the dark with headlamps and owl eyes for lights. (The owls were really cool, never seen so many.)
My wife was waiting to drive our tired butts back home for a little well deserved alcholic reward.
Author's note, eleven years later:
1998--Since this trip, I've become 53 years old, seen two sons grow into manhood and adopted a baby girl (now ten years old.) I've had heart surgery and a few other bumps in life, but my sweet wife is still my sweet wife and I can't complain, which brings me to a summary of this trip report: If you do something like this you'll create a warm memory that noone can ever take from you. The effort will pay you back over and over again. My advice? It's a cliche but a good one. "Just do it"
Getting there: All three trails begin near North Bend, Washington, in the central Cascades within an hour of Seattle.
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.