Granite Mountain — Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025

Granite is always a beautiful fall hike so wanted to get up there before the heavier snow arrives.  The trails in great shape.  Streams running slow below tree line.  And not running above tree line.  Patchy snow started about 4500 ft mostly compact with some ice and mud in places.  I was wearing shoes waterproof Topo boots which I’d not yet used on snow/ice and they were fine climbing on this varied occasionally slippery terrain.  I always forget how tough the last 0.5 mile feels.  But the views were stunning in all directions.  The foliage is past peak but still some nice maples with red leaves.  Berries are still edible around 5000 ft.  Summit rocks have no snow but the granite steps on the way up had compact snow.  Lunched and admired the views (could see Mt Adams, Glacier, Baker, and Rainier).  Wore microspikes on the way down just to be sure. Poles are always helpful.  Trail is nice and soft from rains and line needles below tree line.  Oh, and bathrooms have TP.  Lot was never full.  I started at 10 am.  Always a great workout.