Trip

Day Hike - Granite Creek Trail

Granite Lakes via Granite Creek, post Mem Weekend, trails should be emptier. Reportedly a scenic hike of over 8 miles round trip and 2,300 f gain to reach Upper Granite Lake. A well constructed newish trail immersed in mountain rainforest ascends alongside Granite Creek. The route opens up closer to the Upper Lake for some nice views on a clear day, which Tue. should be.

Tue, Jun 1, 2021
Committee: Seattle Hiking Committee
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Moderate
Leader Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 8.4 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
High Point Elevation: 3,300 ft
Pace: av 2mph approx

Availability: 3 (5 capacity)
Assistant Leader Availability: 1 (2 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Meeting place and time

Meet at 8:30 am the Granite Creek Trailhead ready to hike. This is approximately 6 miles from the I-90 exit 31 for North Bend

Directions to meeting place will be emailed to all participants as soon as registration closes on May 31.

Please be sure to read the latest Mountaineers Covid guidance. I'm not setting up a meeting place before the trailhead, but encourage those hikers who FEEL SAFE DOING SO, to contact other participants about possible carpooling. I have one passenger already but can take a 2nd if you're comfortable with 3 in one car. (We can wear masks and keep air circ on high with fresh air if you want). Can meet anywhere along I-90 east of exit 31.

Leader's notes

Our plan is to hike together as a group to reach Upper Granite Lake along an interesting winding trail with views on the way and return safe.

Recent trip reports indicate some snow still on the trail. Please wear appropriate boots, and bring pole(s) if you prefer them in snow or in general, and microspikes. We probably won't need the spikes judging by recent reports, but good to have just in case.

Also, assuming the weather is decent, we'll spend some time at the lake before turning around. So please have appropriate clothing and snacks to hang out for 30 - 60 minutes, depending on group preferences.

This is an exploratory hike for me, meaning my first time on this trail and to this destination. So please be ready to help with any navigation, to the trail head or on the trail.

The hike will be taken at a moderate average pace (av. 2 mph). A good level of fitness and stamina is required as the trip will be over 8 miles long round trip and approximately 2,300 ft gain.

Please contact the leader before registering if you have not recently done a recent hike of this standard and have any doubt about your fitness and stamina to keep up. Also, if you are a fast hiker and feel 2 mph with several stops along the trail is going to be slow for you, please either consider loading your pack with containers of water, or if this is a good trip for you.

Route/Place