Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes — Friday, Nov. 28, 2025

Post Thanksgiving Day hike, the weather was better than expected, sunshine to start with PNW moody clouds and fog rolling in. Parking is easy, right off the middle fork road on a paved lot with toilets. 
Trail is in good condition, some mucky spots and many stream crossings. I found poles helpful. Really appreciated the beautiful carpet of moss, Oregon grape, sword and deer fern and the ancient remnants of old growth giants. I searched for the smaller granite lake but was unable to see it from the trail. The larger lake was accessible and had cool ice patterns. Great day in the mountains!