Granite Lakes
Hike of the Week:
February 4, 2008
- Mt. Defiance rises over upper Granite Lake on this great winter hike/snowshoe near North Bend. Photo by Sadie's Driver.
Location: Middle Fork area, near North Bend
Distance: 11 miles roundtrip to upper lake
Elevation: Upper Granite Lake - 2300' gain to 3100'
Maps: Green Trails Bandera No. 206
Why Go?
If you're looking for an avalanche-free hike or snowshoe to mountain lakes with moderate elevation gain, Granite Lakes is the place to go.
Just a few miles outside of North Bend in the Middle Fork area, it's the perfect hike to take when Snoqualmie Pass is a mess.
The trail follows a gated old logging road near the Mailbox Peak trailhead. In the summer, the views are marred somewhat by the presence of recovering clearcuts. But in the winter, this just doesn't matter. The road offers gradual elevation gain and on clear days views open up to Mt. Bessemer and others. If you make it to the lakes, you will be rewarded with views of nearby Mailbox Peak, Webb Mountain, and Mt. Defiance. Enjoy the silence in this little-visited area.
- The first Granite Lake you come to offers fine winter views. Photo by Sadie's Driver.
The trailhead is on the right, about a quarter mile up from the Mailbox Peak parking lot. Go around the gate and proceed up the road.
Usually, you can 'boot' it part way up the road before you need to change to snowshoes. Even though you stay on the road, you'll have to cross small creeklets (or in the snow - deep trenches) - so be aware. Other than that, it's hard to go wrong.
About mile 3.0, you'll encounter a Y in the road - stay on the main road (straight/left). At mile 4.5 (3200'), you will come to another Y - you may notice picnic tables off to the right. This time, take the right road branch and descend to Granite Lakes, about .75 mile.
For More Information:
No published guidebooks provide directions for snowshoeing. The non-snow hike is written up in 55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass by Manning & Spring (Mountaineers Books). For conditions, call the Snoqualmie Ranger District at North Bend at 425-888-1421. Also, check out WTA's Hiking Guide and Trip Reports for Granite Lakes - there are several winter write-ups.
Directions:
From Seattle, go east on Interstate 90 and take Exit 34 (468th Ave) just past North Bend. Turn left (north), and at .4 mile past the truck plaza turn right on Southeast Middle Fork Road (FR 56) and set your odometer. When the road splits, you can take either road. They merge near the Mailbox Peak trailhead (on left, 2.5 mi. in on FR 56) where you will likely park unless there is room (5 cars max.) at the Granite Lakes gate .25 mi. further on the right. This trailhead is not signed well, so keep your eyes open for the gate.
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