Hiking Granite Mountain near Snoqualmie Pass

Rated 3 out of 5

Granite Mountain Hike Information

Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.70Km (7.90 Miles)
Elevation Gain: 1,130m (3,707 Ft.)
Highest Elevation: 1,706m (5,597 Ft.)
Average Gradient: 17.80%

Effort/Reward Ratio: Moderate / Moderate
Time Needed:
– Slow: 6 – 7 Hours
– Moderate: 5 – 6 Hours
– Fast: 4 – 5 Hours

Dogs Permitted?: Yes
Season: ~June to October
4×4 / High Clearance Required? No
Scrambling / Exposure: None

Granite Mountain Trail

Trailhead Coordinates: 47°23’52.7″N 121°29’11.4″W

Granite Mountain Overview

Granite Mountain is a summit located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Snoqualmie Pass in Washington. Thanks to its proximity to Seattle, rewarding views, well maintained trail and approachable stats, Granite Mountain is a very popular hike, with trail runners also enjoying this trail as most of the route is easily runnable. On a sunny summer weekend you can expect hundreds of people to ascend this peak in a given day.

This hike is, of course, most popular during the summer months, however it is a year-round option that also works in the winter when avalanche conditions are favorable. The standard route crosses a few avalanche chutes, so proper experience and equipment are required for a safe ascent. There is also a “winter route” that differs from the summer route, but that will not be described here.

From the summit the views are panoramic, with clear views of the usual Snoqualmie Pass peaks such as Kaleetan Peak, Chair Peak, Snoqualmie Mountain and even Mount Rainier on a clear day. There is also a lookout on the summit that may be open to the public if there is a ranger/volunteer there to open it. If not, the lookout will be closed to the public. Typically it is closed.

The hike for Granite Mountain begins from the Pratt Lake trailhead off of the I90 Highway, so is suitable for all vehicles. Dogs are also welcome on this hike.

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Is Granite Mountain worthwhile?

Rated 3 out of 5

Granite Mountain is a short, steep and scenic grind to a pleasant summit close to a major city. It ticks pretty much all of the boxes for a hike to be popular, and popular it is. If you prefer to avoid crowds this may not be the hike for you, unless of course you time it for a less busy day. Relative to effort (faster parties can be up and down in under 5 hours) this hike offers rewarding views and is well worth a visit. That being said, there are better hikes in the immediate vicinity than Granite (like Alta Mountain).

How difficult is the hike to Granite Mountain?

At 12.70km (7.9 Miles) and 1,130m (3,707 Ft.) for an average gradient of 17.80%, this is a fairly steep grind to the top. That being said, the route follows a steady incline along a well groomed trail most of the way, so most parties will find it quite approachable. As noted, trail runners like this route because of the above, and you’re quite likely to cross paths with a few. All in all, while the stats are fairly challenging, you’ll probably find it quite reasonable, and given the shortness of the hike it’s probably closer to a moderate than difficult hike.

Technically speaking there isn’t much that will challenge you assuming you go in the summer when there is no snow to contend with. If there is snow present then things become more involved, particularly if avalanches are still a concern.

Granite Mountain Route Information

Parking for Granite Mountain is from the Pratt Lake trailhead off of the I90 highway, a few kilometers before reaching Snoqualmie Pass. There is a large parking lot and some overflow parking on the side of the small road leading up to it, however on a sunny weekend it is a very popular parking lot, so an early arrival is strongly recommended.

From the trailhead you will easily find the Pratt Lake trail, which climbs steadily in the forest. After a couple of switchbacks you’ll briefly break out of the forest at the base of an avalanche chute before returning to the forest. After a total of 1.6km (1 mile) of hiking you’ll reach a junction where you’ll want to turn right onto the Granite Mountain trail. Keeping straight would lead to Pratt Lake, ultimately.

The trail continues up a steady climb, soon following a series of switchbacks as you work your way up the southern slopes of Granite. Towards the end of the switchbacks you’ll have to cross over three open slopes (these are the avalanche chutes that require great care in the winter/spring), after which you’ll break out of the forest into some beautiful alpine meadows.

Traversing east, the views now really start to pop, particularly to the south where you’ll see Humpback Mountain and Mount Catherine on the other side of the I90. As you climb higher, Rainier will come into view as well. After a few more switchbacks through the meadows you’ll work your way towards the southeast ridge of Granite, where the lookout tower will soon come into view and also where there are a couple of options for attaining the summit.

The typical route follows a trail through the basin below the summit, eventually climbing up to the top from the northeast. This route is best when there is no lingering snow, however in the late spring/early summer snow can often remain here, which some people prefer to avoid. The other route ascends to the top via a rocky boulder ridge approaching from the southeast. This requires some scrambling on large boulders, but it’s mostly straightforward and many people prefer it, especially when there’s still snow in the basin.

Either way, you’ll soon find yourself atop of Granite Mountain where the views will now be panoramic and largely unobstructed. The nearby Kaleetan and Chair Peak always look impressive, and the omnipresent Rainier will of course be visible on a clear day. After you’re finished at the top you simply head back down the same way.

When should I hike Granite Mountain?

Granite Mountain is of course most popular during the summer months once any snow has melted off. This usually means June to October is the peak period. That being said, some parties do summit throughout the winter/spring season when conditions allow. As noted, avalanche risk is a serious concern on Granite Mountain due to the avalanche chutes you need to cross on the way, so only experienced and competent parties should attempt it at this time.