Went up to Granite Mountain yesterday for a casual hike and it was an absolute bluebird of a day. Left Seattle around 8:30. My mom met me in the city and we took my car out toward North Bend. Cappuccinos at Huxdotter, quick Safeway stop, and we were at the trailhead around 9:30 or so. Took our time getting started, spring conditions all the way. No snow until about 3,000 feet, and even then it was pretty patchy. We threw on microspikes higher up, though they weren’t totally necessary.
It was warm, probably mid-50s up high, maybe warmer lower down, and honestly felt more like late spring than winter. We reached the lookout around 2:30 and hung out for about half an hour. Slight breeze at the top, maybe 10 mph, but nothing harsh. Safeway breakfast burritos continue to be my jam, and the sandwich counter absolutely hooked it up with triple eggs. Strong move.
No requirement for passes or fees at the trailhead, maybe because the trail’s technically considered winter-closed, though the bathrooms were still open. Days like this are a good reminder: these perfect, sunny wilderness days are always happening somewhere out there. The landscapes don’t go anywhere, they’re just waiting. Hopefully we’ve still got some winter left, though, because conditions already feel like late spring.
It was warm, probably mid-50s up high, maybe warmer lower down, and honestly felt more like late spring than winter. We reached the lookout around 2:30 and hung out for about half an hour. Slight breeze at the top, maybe 10 mph, but nothing harsh. Safeway breakfast burritos continue to be my jam, and the sandwich counter absolutely hooked it up with triple eggs. Strong move.
No requirement for passes or fees at the trailhead, maybe because the trail’s technically considered winter-closed, though the bathrooms were still open. Days like this are a good reminder: these perfect, sunny wilderness days are always happening somewhere out there. The landscapes don’t go anywhere, they’re just waiting. Hopefully we’ve still got some winter left, though, because conditions already feel like late spring.
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