Granite Mountain

A fire lookout on top of a relentless climb. Avalanche country in spring — this one is strictly a summer and fall trail, and the summit panorama runs from Rainier to Baker.

Why choose this trail

A hard lookout summit. Leave the Pratt Lake trail and climb relentlessly through forest, avalanche paths and open talus to the lookout. The full route has little level recovery ground.

Landscape & habitat

Repeated avalanche disturbance keeps broad slopes open, creating berry and wildflower habitat but preventing mature forest from closing in. The summit lookout sits in an exposed rock-and-heather environment.

Access, passes & rules

The I-90 trailhead generally requires a Northwest Forest Pass. Check the Forest Service for road, fire and lookout-area notices.

Conditions & hazards

This is major avalanche terrain whenever snow is present and should be treated as a summer/fall hike unless the party has avalanche training and equipment.