Granite Mountain — Friday, Jun. 27, 2003

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

An accurate forecast – on the trail under bluing sky by 7:40. Decided to try the winter route – the diretissima – up the west side of the avalanche gulley, but, by the time I emerged from the growing bushes on to the ridge, regretted it (somewhat). The top is almost free of snow, which is preferable over the awkward bouldering that is now required. I descended, on the usual circuitous route, past mounting groups of hikers, past the largest, all-brown St. Bernard (at least that’s what I first thought until realizing it was a bear who was just exiting from my trail) to the car by 1. An excellent outing!