Alpine Scramble - Granite Mountain Trail

Parking is limited and lot fills up fast with day hikers. Meet at Denny Creek Exit Parking off I 90 at 5:45 am  with boots on ready to hike at 6:00 am

Our main goal is to be safe and have fun.

The trip may be cancelled for nasty weather. 

The group is expected to stay together. 

Be inclusive: some people may travel slower or faster than others.  Some participants may have more or less experience scrambling. 

Contact the leader for permission - I need to know if you've been out on conditioning trips and when to assure the group is cohesive. 

My style is offer instruction to those participants who ask for it. I've been climbing a long time and can discuss hand and foot placement to feel more secure and other tips. 

This is trip #1 to build confidence and experience for rock scrambling and, weather permitting, great views of the Central Cascades. 

Trip #2 is Pinnacle Peak near Mount Rainer in July which has some exposure (for which we will bring a rope). Great views of Mount Rainer and the Tattosh Range, weather permitting. 

Trip #3 is Mount Washington in the Olympics  in August. This is a steep hike and has several exposed areas. Great views of the South Olympics, Hood Canal and South Puget Sound (and maybe Seattle if conditions are clear). 

Participants to arrange their own car pooling.  For those traveling from Olympia we can meet at the Park and Ride on Martin Way in Lacey for car pooling. 

I plan to have snacks or an earlier lunch at the look out. 

There still may be snow, so carry your ice axe, micro spikes and gaitors.