Our group met at lower Mailbox parking lot at 6:15 a.m. and carpooled the .7 miles to the Granite Creek Connector to start our 18 mile CHS-2 graduation hike. 7 strong and fast hikers who blew me away with how well-prepared they were. There was only one other car at the trailhead (no facilities); Mailbox upper parking lot was already open so some of our group used the facilities there, others stopped at a local gas station.

TRAIL CONDITIONS: There is some mud in spots leading up to the junction sign for Thompson and Granite, and it gets worse in two spots beyond the "rock bench" at the sign leading down to Thompson Lake. I joked about almost bringing loppers with me, as I had read about overgrowth in other recent trip reports. It literally would have taken me hours.

At places the trail looked like it jogged left but we were fortunate enough to have members thinking of each other and staying behind to flag the way.

We had high winds that threw dust in our eyes, and smoky conditions that shifted around 10 a.m. but blue, blue skies and wonderful views. Right now there's very little in the way of "stream crossings" - still some running water but we totally bypassed the "waterfall" between the bridge and the Granite-Thompson junction because there just wasn't anything to see but a trickle. Great conditions leading down the Granite Lakes and low lake levels made for easy crossing into the basin to enjoy a deliciously refreshing swim.

OUR TRIP: We completed the first 5 miles along the somewhat lush and overgrown Granite Creek Connector with a 2.5 mph pace, and enjoyed our first longer break at the junction between Thompson and Granite Lakes. Our next short break was at the "rock bench" before we veered north at the Thompson Lake sign which, on previous trips to Thompson Lake, I thought was a really strange place to put a sign. Now I understand -- there IS a path behind the rock bench, leading toward Thompson Point.

I'd never been to the Point before and it's worth every step of the extra 3.5ish miles (round trip) to get to it and up to the "summit" where we took our group shot. There are some cool remains of a lookout tower and great views of Granite and Thompson (and more!) Lakes. Rainier and Mailbox and McClellan Butte to the south. West toward Si and Teneriffe. And a smattering of fall wildflowers to make it pretty and fragile despite the high gusting winds.

The one difficult decision we faced was whether to continue down from the ridge into Thompson Lake basin, our second destination of the trip. Gusts were crazy high and I was concerned that we might have tree branches falling off and potentially hurting someone. After a "teaching moment" we decided to trust my spidey sense and backtracked to the Thompson Point/Thompson Lake junction for lunch. Even there, we had some pretty high gusts.

By the time we reached Granite Lakes at 1:30 p.m. -- where it was beautiful, vacant, clean clear water and windy but not overly or frighteningly so, I knew we'd come to the right decision to spend time at Granite rather than Thompson Lake. Three of us enjoyed a refreshing swim 3/4 of the way across and added tons of cool pictures before leaving at 2:20 p.m. and covering the remaining 5+ miles in just under 2 hours.

We celebrated with sandals, refreshing ice-cold drinks, celebration medallions, and GF macaroons. Rock stars, every one of them. They were so generous with their food (when I left 2/3 of mine in my car bag in the dark). And so caring of everyone on the team. Fabulous memories to end the CHS-2 2025 season.

#HiketheState

Everything was truly beautiful and seemed timeless; the surroundings were still lush and green, peaceful, and the trail was generally in excellent condition. Although there were a few overgrown areas, I was prepared with clippers and trimmed back a significant amount of the brush as I proceeded. The waterfall was still a powerful presence, and its sound became audible as I approached. The sound of rushing water always fills me with a sense of excitement.

I began my hike at the base of the connector trail and ascended 2.83 miles to the sign indicating Granite Lakes, the connector, and the trail. The elevation gain during this portion was 1,845 feet, as the picture will illustrate. From there, it was an additional 3.64 miles to reach the lake. The total hike covered a distance of 6.47 miles, with an overall elevation gain of 3,269 feet.

I have a deep appreciation for the outdoors, but I am not in the best physical condition, so it took me some time to reach the lake. The climb was not overly strenuous, but I did need to pause a few times along the way.

Beautiful day hike.   I elected to start my hike at the original Upper Granite Lake trailhead.  Just past the Mailbox trailhead.   I picked it because it doesn't have a steep start.  However it is approximately 3-4 additional miles for a total of 12-13 miles r/t.  The trailhead has room for around 5 vehicles max.

There were tons of spider webs to break.   I was amazed how many new webs were created on my return hike.   Plenty of small creeks if you need water.  The hike is a very slight grade.   This is well worth it.   Upper Granite Lake was a measured 70 degrees at the bank.   I went for a swim and was very comfortable.

Plan was to "backdoor" Mount Defiance starting at the Granite Creek Connector Trail.  I knew the trail would be rough as it gets little use and suspected I might have to deal with snow given the north facing aspects the trail was on.

Granite Creek Connector and the trail to the Granite Lakes cut off is in good shape.

Thompson Lake Trail is in good shape - brushy in spots.  If you are an early riser like myself, you might very well get wet.  There was a woman clearing sections on my return though.

Mount Defiance trail - Lots of blowdowns, some requiring significant effort to get around, over or under. I even had to remove my pack and low crawl under one.  Sections of the trail have nearly completely lost the tread, brushy, etc.  Eventually I hit snow which was fine for a while, until a substantial section over talus.  Given the rotten, punchy nature of the snow and likelihood of punching through into significant open spaces in the talus, I decided to call it there.  Maybe about a mile from the junction of the trail that splits off to the summit of Defiance.

This really is a beautiful route as I have done it in the fall.  Would love to see the trail get a little love but I know it's low on the priority list.  If you are interested, I'd give it until July starts and it should be melted out.

Also of note, start packing the bug spray. :) 

This was a point-to-point hike from Pratt Lake TH to Granite Creek Connector TH. 17.5 miles, ~5000' gain and ~6000' descent. **There is still a lot of snow between Defiance and Thompson Lake**

Pratt Lake TH to Rainbow Lake: great condition, not too muddy. The snow surrounding Rainbow lake 2 weeks ago has all but disappeared, with just a few sections of sodden trail to hop around.

Rainbow Lake to Defiance turn-off: good condition, no snow.

Defiance turn-off to Thompson Lake: this is where the trail heads back into winter mode. About 1.5 miles of mostly continuous snow cover. There was a group heading the opposite direction today, and so there is an okay boot path to follow for now. HOWEVER: snow is slushy, riddled with snow bridges, and tricky to navigate up and down between dirt trail and giant berms. I postholed multiple times, once up to my hip. And despite wearing microspikes, I slid during one section of side-hilling and had to self-arrest with my trekking pole (thankfully it was just a 10-ft slide down into some bushes)

Unless you have experience with these conditions, I would likely wait until July to do this stretch.

Once below 4400' (when you switch over to the east face) it is snow-free to the car. You will know the snow is totally behind you when you get to the tricky downed tree. It required some gymnastics to maneuver through all the branches. Otherwise not too many downed trees, maybe 4-5 on the way to Thompson lake.

Granite Creek Connector trail: very brushy, full of plants that will cut up your shins (devil's club, berries, etc). Brush was up to my shoulders at times, although the trail was still reasonably easy to follow. The last mile of the trail has been mowed a bit and was a relief after swimming through undergrowth.

A note about the connector trail: there were several signs of bear activity: flattened undergrowth, multiple piles of scat. If you are hiking through thick undergrowth like that, make sure to make noise so that you don't startle any of the locals.