Granite Mountain on a Weekday

As you climb higher, Mt. Rainier emerges in the south.

One mile in the sign points the way up.

The Look Out teases 1/2 hour away.

Granite Mountain is one of the superhighway trails for day hiking in Central Cascades. The problem for those who want more solitude is its location -- just 17 miles east of North Bend on I-90 off of Exit 47. The trail head is a minute off the freeway.  No need to navigate washboard Forest Service Roads.  

Exit, cross the bridge to the north side of the freeway, turn west, and you are there. Consequently, Granite Mountain gets a lot of visitors.  

Mt. Rainier from the Look Out.

You would think 3800 feet of elevation gain over   4.3 miles would scare some folks off, but its location attracts a lot of neophyte hikers who don't have any clue about elevation gain anyway.  Personally, I welcome the masses.  The more folks in the woods, the more people will care about protecting our natural heritage.  Naturally (and mildly hypocritically), I don't want my communion with nature trampled by an army of noisy hikers.  The easy solution: go early on a weekday.

I was at the trail head on a Tuesday in August at 7:00 and saw only two other cars in the parking lot. I encountered only one hiker on her way down.  When I asked how it was going, she replied, "Early!"

The Washington Trail Association (WTA) website has a good overview of the hike here: WTA on Granite Mountain.   As published, the first part of the hike is shaded by old growth hemlocks and the trail is great with just a few roots sticking through in places.  Once you break out into the avalanche field, the trail heats up and becomes more rugged.  Bring plenty of water.   Mt. Rainier will slowly rise over lesser hills like a winter moon.  Once you see the look out, you still have a half hour of solid work left.

If it is a late season hike, the mountain provides a good work out, and the views are magnificent. Unfortunately, you'll never feel alone in the wilderness on this hike since I-90 is visible most of the way up.  If it's the only hike you make all summer, and you haven't been running or biking, the trail will be brutal.  As a dad, I don't think Granite Mountain is a good hike for small children though I saw a few as I was coming down.  Making a kid miserable on a hike is not the way to endear them to the great outdoors.

At the lookout, leave your backpack and poles at the bottom of the stairs. Folks have actually gotten stuck with their gear, especially on a busy Saturday.  The views are amazing -- be sure to bring your camera (the one on your phone may not be adequate).  Rainier is spectacular. Glacier Peak and even Mt. Baker were visible the morning I was there.  If you're lucky, a volunteer ranger can help you identify the lesser crags.  All in all, Granite Mountain is worth the work.  Just head up early midweek.

Northwest Forest Pass and an Alpine Lakes Wilderness permit are both required.