Granite Mountain — Sunday, May. 30, 2004

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

My friend and I decided that Granite Mtn would be a good hike with the snow level receding earlier than usual because of the lower snowpack this year. We left the parking lot just before 10 am. The first 3.5 miles was pretty smooth sailing. There were a muddy parts especially in the first .5 mile but the trail was in very good shape overall. The overcast weather had clear breaks at points on the way up but at the very top part of the trail and lookout the visibility was not that good so views of the valley and surround peaks were not possible. This hike is even better on a clear day. I wrongly assumed that the trail was cleared of snow but the last 400 ft actualy still follows the winter route and is more steep than the summer route. A great work out hike but much more enjoyable later in the summer when the meadows are lush and the flowers are blooming. It was really nice though that the fire lookout was not just open like others at Mt Pilchuck but there was a volunteer there to answer questions and who made hikers hot tea. That was cool.