Fall color on Granite Mountain TR

[The AD]

The Granite Mountain trailhead is just off I-90 at exit 47. I got there at 10:00 Saturday and the fairly big parking area was already full. Lots of people out taking advantage of the nice weather. The hike climbs about 3,700 feet to the top of the mountain and a nicely restored fire lookout tower.

Here's a shot looking up toward the top after the trail emerges from the trees. You can just make out the lookout tower left of center:
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite01.jpg

Beautiful fall colors on the trail. The bright red is from huckleberry bushes.
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite02.jpg

View of Mount Rainier to the south
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite03.jpg

The lookout tower
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite04.jpg

Looking east toward the mountains near Snoqualmie Pass with I-90 snaking through on the right
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite05.jpg

[LumberJackJibbr]

nice pics.

[Schmear]

Nice, AD. I almost went up there today! That's one of my favorite fall hikes.

[Schmear]

For anyone who's wondering, the area circled is the backside of Alpental.

[The AD]

Any idea what this mountain is, Schmear?
http://home.comcast.net/~steamboat_joey/granite06.jpg

My guess is it's Bryant Peak. I think the lake is Tuscohatchie Lake.

This was taken just below the summit. The view is to the north or northeast.

EDIT: based on this photo http://www.turns-all-year.com/gpans2...lat4Llabel.jpg it is Kaleetan Peak. The image is really wide, so I justed linked it here. Very cool shot, though!

[Schmear]

Yeah, it's Kaleetan, and the ridge to its right is the back side (from the ski area's perspective) of Chair Peak.