Starting at 8:30 am and finishing at 8:30 pm on a Sunday, our route was Deer Park TH -> Obstruction Point TH via Grand Ridge -> Lillian Ridge -> Down through Grand Valley and past the 3 lakes -> Up Badger Valley -> Up the Elk Mountain Trail to rejoin Grand Ridge -> Deer Park TH
It took 12 hours, but we covered 24 miles and almost 7,000 feet of gain. All trails were in great condition. Snow-free besides a few no-problem patches on Lillian Ridge. A few minor blowdowns in Grand Valley and some minor brushy-ness in Badger Valley. The mosquitos were only bad near Grand Lake. The flies and bees were intermittently annoying all day.
The Lillian Ridge Trail, which stays on the ridgeline south from where the Grand Valley Trail leaves the ridge and descends into the valley, was the most difficult section of the hike. Loose rock, using your hands to keep balance, and wicked descents and climbs. It's also the only place where we lost the trail, only to meet back up with it later. Great views from the top of Moose Peak make it worthwhile.
There's no water (and very little shade!) on the ridge trails, but there's plenty of water in the valleys, so we filled up once in the middle. Two sets of hikers warned of a bear and her cub near Elk Mountain, and lo and behold, there she was while we were climbing the Elk Mountain Trail. One clap and a "GO!" was all she needed to hear to rumble away into the foliage.
Grand Ridge is one of my favorite hikes in Washington because the panoramic views start early and never stop. The Lillian Ridge/Grand Valley Loop was very peaceful. Moose Lake is gorgeous. We made it back with just enough time to get off the mountain before dark. You don't want to drive Deer Ridge Rd. in the dark! See my Strava link below for the map of our route.
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