This hike was perfect for a quick morning jaunt up to some pretty lakes. We got to the parking lot around 7:30am. We encountered quite a few people coming back down the trail, so definitely GO EARLY on this one (we had the lake all to ourselves for about 30 minutes, the people behind us definitely did not).
The first two(ish) miles of the trail are beautiful (especially the first mile) - we called it the yellow brick road because it is so pristine and easy to walk on. No obstacles (roots, rocks, etc.) to trip over... it was almost too perfect, but it was gorgeous. The first part of the trail winds you through the forest and lots of ferns and wild berry bushes (SO MANY SALMON BERRIES).
Once you cross the "helicopter bridge", however, it changes. Still easy to follow but it's a bit overgrown for the rest of the way up to the lakes. The berry bushes and wildflowers (blooming like crazy right now) start to envelop the trail and you're left with very little room to maneuver (luckily the plants are easily brushed aside). As long as you don't mind being brushed by plants along the way, you'll be totally fine with this trail.
We also encountered a couple fallen trees just a little after the bridge. Crossing under the biggest one was no big deal, but you definitely have to crouch to get under it. The other was just a big step over the log. Nothing too bad.
About 3.4 miles into the trail, there is a fork for Thompson Lake (left) and Granite Lakes (right), we decided to just do Granite Lakes which is only about half a mile further. Thompson Lake is another two miles or so (we didn't have enough time for both today).
The trail down to the lakes gets a little confusing once you hit the rocks (there wasn't really one trail that led to a perfect spot - there's a lot of rocks) but we followed what seemed to be the most used trail and it led us to a little peninsula on the big lake which was perfect for lunch (there is a huge flat rock here that is perfect for setting the packs down and taking a break). It also has some tall trees above it so it's nice and shaded on a sunny day like we had! We didn't stop by the smaller lake because it didn't really seem to have an official trail going to it. There was one overgrown trail that looked like it went in the right direction, but we didn't have enough time to check it out today.
My GPS said our round trip was 7.8 miles. This trail was fun, despite the overgrown plants, and it gives a good workout. The gain doesn't seem like a lot on paper but it's not a short hike and it goes up the entire time, it never really levels out until you head down to the lakes. Bring lots of water, and some sunscreen for the lake (the whole trail is forested so you won't REALLY need it until then). We also encountered some mosquitoes, not bad yet, but I assume they're only going to get worse (bug spray is recommended). The lake is very still so it's the perfect breeding ground.
Overall, a fun hike and it provides you with a great workout! Plus, the water was way warmer than any alpine lakes I've ever been to, so if you feel like taking a dip or sticking your toes in, you won't freeze!
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