Today we thought we could get to the Granite Mountain 5629' summit. The sun was shining but the constant east wind, combined with the 5°F temperature, made wind-chill extreme on the southeast side of the mountain. That plus the deep wind-blown snow above 4500' caused us to turn back about 4700'. Three others, whom we passed on the way up, pressed on by us after putting on their snowshoes. We had left ours behind. The trail can be followed easily to about 4500' without fear of avalanches, but that could change with the next storm.

Tackled the winter route of Granite Mt. ... Rewarded with awesome views and very agreeable weather. Our party of five left the parking lot at 8:40 AM and summited at noon. With low to moderate avalanche threat we skirted the left edge of first avalanche gully. Once clear of the tree line, obtained the west exposed ridge and approached the summit in full sun! There was some wind along the ridge approach with hard packed snow on the west side of the ridge - the hard pack aided our final push to the lookout. The summit had occasional light winds but the sun kept us warm and encouraged a one hour lunch stop. 35 deg. F in the shade of the lookout tower. Glacier, Baker and all of the central Cascades were visisble - Only Rainier had a cloud cap. Indeed, even the Olympic mountains were visible from our vantage point! Finished the return trip to the cars by 3:10 PM. The snow had softened greatly for the return trip though and we enjoyed the opportunity to glissade several sections of the route. A great winter trip with good companions.

Went up with hiking boots till me and my bros hit the snow field and switched to snowshoes. The sun was out so the lower end of the mountain was a little slushy and thick. Once we got up on the ridge the wind kicked up and a little colder so the surface had more crust to it. The top had no wind at all and was warm, almost took my shirt off and put on the tan oil it was so nice. It took awhile to get up but worth it all the way. BIGTIME!!

Finally made it to the summit today at 1:30 pm The clouds were clearing and the wind was dying down. I estimated wind speed at about 30 mph with a temp of 30F. I needed to use all my winter gear. Snowshoes, crampons, ice ax and hiking poles at various times throughout the hike. I used the winter route as the avalanche warning was high. The snow was dry earlier but became heavy and wet. Going up the winter route was slow but above tree line the views were great. As the day progressed the sky cleared even more and the winds died down. This was a far better trip than the one I reported on earlier in the winter where there was freezing rain and no visibility. I met a great hiker on the trail ""JASON"" who was from up state NY close to my home town. There were about 6 other skiers who were up and down fairly quickly. I needed to get down quickly so from the summit to tree line, I took off my crampons and used my ice ax to steady myself as I slid down on my butt. I was at tree line in about 30 seconds. After this 20 mph skid down the mountain, I closed the parking lot and turned out the lights. All in all a great day. If we get another clear dry day, this winter route would be fantastic. Happy Hiking !!!

Snow from the parking lot with an easily followed path virtually the entire way to tree line. The avalanche gullies are stable as is the snow on south facing aspect (reassess for your own safety). Some wind loading from the west over past few days. Postholing generally knee deep. Upper ridge is windblown but not completely icy. Ice ax, crampons recommended. Definitely skiable if you've got the talent and can assess your avy danger.