Snow is lingering at lower elevation than other trails in the granite creek drainage. Snow started at about 2500ft. Microspikes are useful in the morning, but in the afternoon it was mostly slush and spikes didn't do much. There is a perfectly packed trail to the lakes.
I went up towards Thompson Lake and there almost immediately snowshoes were useful. Somebody postholed all the way a few days ago, but the track looked exhausting. I'd bring snowshoes. I went to Thompson Point for some nice views. On the lower switchback I took the shortcut straight up (see Strava for the track). My bootpath will probably be visible for a couple of days.
Comments
greymstreet on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Thompson Point
I don't think the Strava link successfully attached
Posted by:
greymstreet on Mar 18, 2024 08:29 PM
Martin Bravenboer on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Thompson Point
Ah thanks, fixed :) My earlier report also has some info: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2024-02-03.2394538058
Posted by:
Martin Bravenboer on Mar 18, 2024 08:44 PM
ALW Hiker on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Thompson Point
Great pics and report, thanks! I really need to get up there some time. Really cool that you can see Gifford Lakes, that is probably the only easy place from which to see them.
Posted by:
ALW Hiker on Mar 18, 2024 08:59 PM
Martin Bravenboer on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Thompson Point
Yeah, that drainage is remarkably isolated! I can definitely recommend the hike. Up Granite Creek it's a bit of a slog, but once you're on the old logging road the views open up very quickly and it's an enjoyable climb to the point. I'd like to head over to Revolution Peak one day, but both my visits so far had a time constraint.
Posted by:
Martin Bravenboer on Mar 18, 2024 09:09 PM
TJ Zimmerman on Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes, Thompson Point
Neat photo. Makes Russian Butte look a lot less imposing; that's for sure.
Posted by:
TJ Zimmerman on Mar 19, 2024 02:45 PM