EVENT:

Granite Mountain Day Hike

DATE:

October 11, 2008

TIME

7am - Meet for carpool at Eastgate park and ride off I-90 in Bellevue/Factoria.  Let’s meet on the first floor first row that is covered, East side entrance

Arrive back in Seattle by about 6pm.

COSTS

Free.  Please bring cash the day of the trip to cover gas costs.  All vehicles must have a NW Forest Pass

EVENT DESCRIPTION: 

Steep out and back trail complete with switch backs, blueberry shrubs, meadows, bolder fields, and a lookout tower. Views of several alpine lakes, Mt Rainier, Baker, Stuart, and peaks around Snoqualmie Pass. This intermediate hike is strenuous, 8 miles round trip with 3800 ft elevation gain.  The trail starts off in the forest and climbs quickly. Although it is steep, it's a consistent elevation gain and there are many switchbacks, so the grade is not too terrible.  If you can jog a couple miles without stopping (or do a hike of this magnitude), then you should be fine.

We expect the fall colors to be dramatic and most gorgeous on this weekend, the weather permitting. This can be a warm hike up, but up at the lookout it is extremely windy and biting cold, so make sure you have layered clothing, hat & gloves recommended. Good views at the top. On the way out one may see many bears grazing amongst the blueberries in the meadows, or even elks. The hike is about 3 hours on the ascent to the fire lookout, the descent 2 hours.  Make sure to wear sunscreen & sunglasses as last half going up is more meadows with little to no shade.

Further we would also like to give you a heads up on some foundations for our trip: 

1. We will be emphasizing hiking together as a group for safety, to help & encourage the slower hikers, and to also take time to get to know others & enjoy the beauty of Creation.  For those speed hikers out there, please consider whether this trip is right for you, as you will probably be hiking slower than what you’re accustomed to. 
2. We are sponsored by Mars Hill Church in Seattle.  More on who we are here: http://www.marshillchurch.org/about
3. We respect and welcome differences in abilities, gender, and religious/non-religious backgrounds.   Please respect & encourage other participants on the trip. 
4. Any pertinent medical/physical history, allergies, or food restrictions or concerns should be given to us before the trip. 

DIRECTIONS TO P&R:

Eastgate Park and Ride 13620 SE Eastgate Way, Bellevue

Eastbound I-90 Exit 10B, turn off onto Ramp

Turn LEFT (North) onto 128th Ave SE/ towards Richards Rd?

Bear RIGHT (East) onto SE Eastgate Way

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:

Take 1-90 east from Seattle to exit 47. Take a left (north). Cross highway, go left (west). Trailhead is 0.5 miles ahead at the end of the road. Trailhead is shared with Pratt Lake trailhead.

The Ten Essentials from the Mountaineers:

The following list is made up of items that everyone who ventures onto a trail or into the backcountry should have. You could add more, possibly, but these are the basics

1. Map

2. Compass

3. Flashlight

4. Extra Food and Water

5. Extra Clothing

6. Sunglasses

7. First-Aid Kit

8. Pocket Knife

9. Waterproof Matches

10. Candle and Firestarter