Snowshoeing is a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity, especially among awesome people. This my account of hiking to the top of Granite Mt, just off I-90, not to far from Seattle WA. On this page you will find Directions to the Granite Mt trail head, route description and video footage of the snowshoe hike up Granite Mt.Directions to the Granite Mountain Trailhead:
From Seattle:
Take I-90 East 17 miles past North Bend.
Take Exit 47 "Denny Creek".
Turn Left and cross over the freeway
Take the first left on the other side
Drive West as far as you can.
If the road is plowed, park at the trail head.
Route Description:
Round trip distance: 5 miles.
Elevation gain: 3,750
Time: 8 ish hours
Notes: REALLY STEEP!
In the dry season Granite Mt is a strenuous hike, that rewards you with panoramic vistas, and a great experience. In the snow Granite Mt is a rather angry hill that likes to steal puppies and milk money. The summer route takes long switchbacks up to a ridge line and leads to you to the top. The snow route takes you directly up the hill. No mercy. None asked, none given.
The snow route for Granite Mt starts at the above sign and takes you through the woods, this part isn't that bad. I have done this snow hike twice, once the route followed the trees to the end of timberline, the other time it took me out of the trees quite quickly and straight up an avalanche shoot.
Either way, once you leave the trees the trail becomes extra ordinarily steep. The hike on average is just about 1,500 vertical ft gain per mile. The early part of the hike, isn't that steep. What does that say about the rest?
The route is pretty simple, only 2.5 miles, and your end goal is an old lookout on top. It looks like this:
Thing is, you can't see this hut until you are right on top of it. The final crest of the hike is steep enough to give the illusion of a false summit.Nearly broke my heart when I learned I wasn't there yet.
Even though the hike to the top of Granite Mt is not very long in terms of distance, it is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon, as the views are fantastic. If you go, pack lots of water (you will be thirsty), a hearty lunch (you will be hungry) and a great camera.
To read about more and similar adventures click below.
Goat Mt. Kendal Catwalk Weekend at Mt Rainier
Video footage:
To view the video visit: http://www.teamramble.com/ The video will be on the right side. (Sorry about this, I can't seem to get Blogger to upload my video.)
