Granite Creek Connector Trail — Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025

Had intended to hike to Franklin Falls but the snow park and trail are closed today.  The parking lot for this Connector trail is very small.  There were approximately 9 cars and it was full.  There is intermittent wet snow/exposed ground starting at the trail head.  We proceeded with boots and poles for 0.5 miles, then decided to put on spikes for efficiency.  Trail had been tracked out and there is maybe 6 inches at its deepest.  Streams were running well and crossings doable.  Only 1 posed a little challenge to stay dry.  We had full boots and gaiters on which help.  The forest was beautiful, especially some very large swaths of lichen on the sides of the trail in one area.  There was no snow falling from the trees but lots of water when we reached the trail intersection with the Granite Creek lakes trail.  We had a snack and turned around at the intersection.  Had lots of solitude on the damp wintry trail today.  It was better than joining the many people at Tiger mountain today as witnessed by the cars on the frontage road near the Cable line trail.  Lots of wet snow out there today.  Felt great to get some fresh air and light.