What: A short day hike into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass.
Where: Follow I-90 east toward Snoqualmie Pass and take Exit 47 (Denny Creek). Go left over the freeway and turn left at the “T” that follows the road to the Pratt Lake-Granite Mountain trailhead in about a half-mile.
Length: 6 miles round trip
Beginning elevation: 1,800 feet
Highest elevation: 3,020 feet
Trail: Pratt Lake-Granite Mountain No. 1016
Maps: Green Trails – Snoqualmie Pass No. 207 USGS Quad – Bandera
Notes: Follow the trail toward Granite Mountain from the parking lot for about one mile as you wind your way through the forest until you will reach a fork in the trail. Follow the left fork toward Pratt Lake and cross over many creeks and small waterfalls. Once you reach mile No. 3 there will be a trail on your left that takes you to Olallie Lake. There are great places to have lunch near the shore before your return trip to the car. This is also a great winter snowshoe trip for beginners and families.
Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
More information: Contact the Snoqualmie Ranger District in North Bend at 425-888-1421
Web link: Check out recent trail conditions at the Washington Trails Association Web site by clicking on “Trail Reports” at www.wta.org.
Scott Harder is owner of Cascade Guiding Services in Snohomish. www.cascadeguide.com
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