Photos
At about 2.5 miles, the trail levels out as you enter the Granite Creek Valley, at 1,700 feet, a 850-foot gain from the trailhead. You will shortly cross the creek (no bridge here) and in the next two miles gain 1,400 feet of elevation. About halfway up this two-mile ascent you will come to a Y intersection. Stay left. At the next intersection you will go right and cross two small creeks, also without bridges and not showing on the maps. Some adventuring and bushwhacking may be involved in getting to the lakes in this lightly used area during hiking season.
Have lunch by the lake or wherever you find an inviting spot and contemplate the scenery, both close at hand and in the distance. You will retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.
Directions: From Interstate 90, take Exit 34 (468th Avenue, just past North Bend) and turn north. At 0.4 miles past the truck plaza, turn right on Southeast Middle Fork Road (Forest Road 56) and set your odometer. When the road splits, you can take either road. They merge near the Mailbox Peak trailhead on the left at 2.5 miles on FR 56. Park here or about a fourth of a mile down the road at the Granite Lakes gate, on your right.
Difficulty rating: 4 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round trip: 10
Elevation: 2,300 feet
Best time of year: Year-round
Map: Green Trails 206 Bandera
Pass: Washington State Discover Pass for each vehicle
Also: Always check for avalanche danger and translate it into the areas on your topographic map before setting out on a winter outing. The Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website is the go-to place for avalanche information: nwac.us. The Ten Essentials should be part of your standard gear on any outing, with appropriate adjustments for time of year and the length of the day you are planning. Leave No Trace Wilderness travel, if practiced by all of us, will keep our outdoor areas more pristine; pack out your own trash and any you find along the way.
Info: Mount Si is one of the Natural Resources Conservation Areas managed by the State Department of Natural Resources: dnr.wa.gov/ResearchScience/Topics/NaturalAreas/Pages/amp_na.aspx#nrca; “55 Hikes around Snoqualmie Pass,” Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
