Trip Report
Day Hike - Granite Creek Trail to Thompson Lake and Granite Lake
On election day, I enjoyed hiking to Thompson Lake and Granite Lake in the snow, sleet, rain, and hail. Thompson Lake has 3-4 inches while Granite Lake is snow-free (but muddy) with 37 stream runoffs between the lakes and car. Bring poles!
Courtenay Schurman
- Tue, Nov 5, 2024
- Granite Creek Trail
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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On a day I thought would be free from precipitation I got a little of everything: sleet, hail, rain, wind, sun, and snow. I left the Granite Creek parking lot just before 7 a.m. The restrooms are closed due to fire damage -- two trail runners who went up Saturday mentioned this in their post. A big sign directs hikers to use Champion Beach Day Use latrines .5 miles back toward Mailbox Peak.
I expected a lot more mud and puddles; this trail is very well constructed. The leaves make things slick in places, especially heading downhill, but the stream crossings once you get across the bridge are all easy to cross, including the high-running stream right before Granite Lake. (I counted, there were 15 from the bridge to the waterfall, then 22 more between the waterfall and the junction sign for Granite and Thompson Lakes).
There is no snow (yet) on the trail to Granite Lake, but as soon as you start gaining toward Thompson Lake you'll find a few inches. A bit crusty where the wind has hit it, and powdery on the descent to the lake. No need for snowshoes (yet) or microspikes. I didn't use traction, but I did use both poles on the descent to Thompson Lake and back out. The rest of the trail is pretty straightforward. A few downed trees on the Thompson Lake trail, but nothing too serious.
You'll need a Discovery Pass for this one. I heard 7 bird species including a lovely duet by a pair of downy woodpeckers that made me smile. I also spotted some mammal tracks in the snow - I'm guessing deer, fox, and rabbit, but my tracking skills aren't up to par. There were only 5 other people all day (along with three dogs).
It was beautiful to see the first snow of the year (for me). On the way back from Thompson I had enough time to check out Granite Lake; it's pretty muddy and the path across the high-flowing stream is via a long wet log - keep your poles out to guide footing. And on the last mile out, the precip stopped and the sun peeked through the clouds. What's not to love about such an adventure? A great way to spend election day.
