Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes — Sunday, Jul. 13, 2025

We decided to begin early knowing Mailbox traffic on the roads and a hot day ahead. To our surprise we were 1 of only 3 vehicles in the parking lot at 7a.m.
As others mentioned the trail is a bit brushy in places making pants a better option than shorts. However, I must say the paths were wide in other places and quite honestly one of the least rocky/rooty trails I’ve been on in a long time. Also, there’s some great peek a boo views and benches for a break from the elevation gain. The many creeks were all very easily crossed.
The lake has many narrow paths with rock outcroppings to sit on which also were not too slippery when it came time to swim in the pleasant temp waters.
Sooo many plants in bloom from red elderberry, pearly everlasting,prunella, tiger lily, columbine, twin flowers, foam flowers, fireweed, goats beard and still a little foxglove. 4 different types of edible berries were ripe or ripening too!
Upon returning to the parking lot it was still only maybe one quarter full. Truly a hidden gem of the PNW.