Granite Mountain Trail

Published 9:00 pm Friday, April 30, 2004

What: A punishing climb (a 3,830-foot elevation gain) through the Snoqualmie District and into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness that currently requires snow gear to complete.

Where: From I-90 east, take exit 47. Turn left, cross I-90 and reach a T. Turn left, following the Granite Mountain Lookout sign. Park left of the trailhead.

Length: 8.6 miles round trip.

Difficulty: Difficult.

Beginning elevation: 1,800 feet.

Highest elevation: 5,630 feet.

Restrictions: Northwest Forest Pass, dogs OK on a leash, maximum group 12.

Maps: Green Trails No. 207.

Notes: Pace yourself, this sucker is steep. The trail forks at 1.2 miles: Turn right, following the Granite Mountain sign. A wide, smooth path through the wilderness quickly becomes exposed to the sun, filled with ankle-testing terrain. The switchbacks strike in a cruel, relentless flurry. Wear heavy-duty boots and snow gear to traverse the final stretch of snow-packed ledges (wait a month and the snow should be gone) and reach the well-earned payoff: a view of Rainier and Baker, among others.

Mike Cane