Granite Lakes via Trailhead Direct

updated 9/20/2021

The Granite Lakes Trail offers a more peaceful alternative to the busy Mail Box Peak Trail. Following an abandoned logging road, this trail makes a steady climb up the tranquil Granite Creek valley to a pretty alpine lake set in a rugged glacier-carved cirque. With 2200' of elevation gain over five miles, this hike will give you a good workout, though it is certainly less difficult than the nearby Mail Box Peak trail.

Getting There

From Seattle, ride Sound Transit to the Issaquah Transit Center. There, catch the Trailhead Direct bus and ride to the Mailbox Peak trailhead. This bus runs on weekends only, from May to October. Note: The Mailbox shuttle is not running for 2021-hopefully it will be back for 2022.

Info on the Trailhead Direct bus service: https://trailheaddirect.org/

The Hike

From the Mailbox Peak bus drop off point, walk a quarter mile east on the Middle Fork road to the start of the Granite Creek Connector Trail. Following an old decommissioned logging road, this trail makes a gentle climb up the side of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River valley. Splashing creeks and a few views provide interest in this portion of the hike. At the 2.4 mile mark, the trail reaches a junction with the new Granite Creek Trail, which ascends from a newly constructed trailhead on the Middle Fork Road. If you have a car, this trail provides a quicker but steeper alternative route.

Past this junction, the Granite Creek trail begins ascending the heavily forested, shady valley of Granite Creek and in a half mile crosses the creek on a large bridge. This is a pleasant spot to rest on a hot day and enjoy the cooling breeze coming from the rushing waters of the creek. Beyond the bridge, the trail continues its steady climb up the valley. Beyond a pair of switchbacks, the trail gets considerably steeper and sunnier. This stretch can be sweaty work on a hot day, but in compensation there are views of the surrounding peaks to enjoy.

At the 4.6 mile mark, the trail abruptly levels out and reaches a junction with the Thompson Lake Trail. Turn right to continue to Granite Lakes. The trail gradually descends and soon crosses a large creek which can be troublesome to cross in the snowmelt season. In a half mile, the trail reaches the end of the old road bed that it has been following. The next portion of the trail is more of a rude fisherman's path that descends steeply through a brushy area to the outlet of Upper Granite Lake. Cross the creek and hike to the lake's shore where you can relax and enjoy the serene setting of the only alpine lake reachable by Metro bus.

More ambitious hikers can do the hike to Thompson Lake, an alpine beauty that would be a good choice for an overnight backpack trip. Those looking for views and a lot of exercise (4300' of gain!) can ascend to 5100' Thompson Point.