2008.10.26. Granite Mountain. Fabulous weather, color and view. Terrible wind and precarious close to the top. First mile is the Pratt Lake trail, easy. 2nd mile steeper. The 3rd mile is most enjoyable, where Mt Rainier raises its head with each step, and vibrantly colored huckleberry leaves and maples cover the entire slope. The last mile veers to the north side, muddy then icy, looking more like winter. But soon the northern peaks came into view. Lots of people and dogs. Almost no hiding spots. Highway noise!
Logistics: I-90 north of exit 47. 8 miles R/T. 1800 ft to 5629 ft.