Pratt Mountain, Pratt Lake Basin & Lower Tuscohatchie Lake — Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

14.7mi 1295m ascent. Talapus Lake, Olallie Lake, Pratt saddle, Pratt Mountain, Pratt Lake, Lower Tuscohatchie. Starting early from the Talapus trailhead was optimal for keeping cool on this hike. As usual, backsights are useful on the final ascent up Pratt, starting with the first boulder crossing. Many prefer to start from the Granite Mt trailhead. Some considerations: 1. The Granite TH is more accessible throughout the year, as snow may close NF9030 for many months. 2. To reach the connector requires 630m ascent from Granite TH, but only 400m ascent from Talapus TH. 3. The connector intersection is 4.7km from Granite TH, but only 3.7km from Talapus TH. 4. The run from Granite TH is steeper to the connector (135m/km versus 110m/km). 5. The drive to Talapus TH requires 20min on a forest service road, assuming no snow or other impassables; there should be no issues during the summer, but late spring or late fall may pose troubles depending on the weather and vehicle capabilities.