This was a point-to-point hike from Pratt Lake TH to Granite Creek Connector TH. 17.5 miles, ~5000' gain and ~6000' descent. **There is still a lot of snow between Defiance and Thompson Lake**
Pratt Lake TH to Rainbow Lake: great condition, not too muddy. The snow surrounding Rainbow lake 2 weeks ago has all but disappeared, with just a few sections of sodden trail to hop around.
Rainbow Lake to Defiance turn-off: good condition, no snow.
Defiance turn-off to Thompson Lake: this is where the trail heads back into winter mode. About 1.5 miles of mostly continuous snow cover. There was a group heading the opposite direction today, and so there is an okay boot path to follow for now. HOWEVER: snow is slushy, riddled with snow bridges, and tricky to navigate up and down between dirt trail and giant berms. I postholed multiple times, once up to my hip. And despite wearing microspikes, I slid during one section of side-hilling and had to self-arrest with my trekking pole (thankfully it was just a 10-ft slide down into some bushes)
Unless you have experience with these conditions, I would likely wait until July to do this stretch.
Once below 4400' (when you switch over to the east face) it is snow-free to the car. You will know the snow is totally behind you when you get to the tricky downed tree. It required some gymnastics to maneuver through all the branches. Otherwise not too many downed trees, maybe 4-5 on the way to Thompson lake.
Granite Creek Connector trail: very brushy, full of plants that will cut up your shins (devil's club, berries, etc). Brush was up to my shoulders at times, although the trail was still reasonably easy to follow. The last mile of the trail has been mowed a bit and was a relief after swimming through undergrowth.
A note about the connector trail: there were several signs of bear activity: flattened undergrowth, multiple piles of scat. If you are hiking through thick undergrowth like that, make sure to make noise so that you don't startle any of the locals.
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