First hike in Alaska! Palmer. With relatives and dog Newton.
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We began our hike a little before 9am early July on a weekday morning. We didn’t see many people— one benefit of going on a weekday morning. The trail is one of the best maintained I’ve seen — although it gets rockier with a few easy stream crossings as you climb to higher elevations. We found a few ripe salmon berries. Lots of wildflowers in full bloom including columbine, fox glove, and lupine to name a few. Most of the hike is through shaded Douglas fir forest until you break above tree line just as you reach the alpine lower Granite lake — a beautiful emerald green gem. It was a beautiful day to take in this beautiful serene setting. One of my new favorite hikes!
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Great hike with moderate vertical, nice creek and high ridge-line with great views.
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Easy hike, but over grown. The Boxley Blowout could not be seen. Good for first easy hikes and walks or trail runs.
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Very well maintained trail. Traffic noise from I-90 is a bit bothersome at start in places for first half. Big day to go to the summit. Great views, it's a ridge summit with some trees. Snow over last mile was difficult, cleats recommended. Upper half of the trail is along an old logging road.
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Trail in good condition overall. Lower portion generally dry with cobbles. Mid section has running water and snow still hanging in at 3800; and spikes strongly suggested for upper trail. Great views to the south.
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The trail was closed during the summer of 2018 for trail work. Though I hadn't been on the trail prior, the current trail has plenty of signs and is easy to follow. The trail work also rerouted a small section on the trail from the map but it's hard to get off trail. Consider hiking to the balcony for a shorter hike. I'm still sore a couple days after hiking as the top section gets steeper towards the top and follows old mining roads. From the top, you can see distant view of Rainier and Baker.
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The trail was in great shape. No bugs and the fall colors are starting to pop out. Several small stream crossing and a few dry ones - but nothing that requires getting your feet wet. Right as you get to the shore of Upper Granite Lake things get a little muddy, but completely manageable.
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Hike is good for scoping out climbing areas and for a close-to-Seattle hike where you don't want to take all day. The view is decent from the top. Turns for the trail are mainly marked but don't forget to take a description of the turns or a map with the trail to follow with you.
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