Granite Falls, WA – Today’s excursion delivered some spectacular views of Glacier Peak, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, Three Fingers Mountain, the Olympics, the North Cascades and the Puget Sound.

When we first started out it was unclear whether the views were going to be possible as the mountain was layered in a sheet of clouds on the drive up from Fall City. However during our ascent up the mountainside, the clouds burned off to reveal a spectacular view in every direction. Never mind the 4 1/2 hours it took to traverse the rocky granite covered terrain, the weather and the scenery were simply spectacular.

Mt. Pilchuck is located on the outskirts of Granite Falls. At the high point, Mount Pilchuck is 5,340 feet and is graced at the summit by an old fire lookout tower which offers 360 degree views. After 2 1/2 hours of hiking up the mountainside with a 2,400 feet elevation gain, hikers are faced with bouldering their way to the lookout tower. Not for the faint of heart (or those like myself with a fear of heights). Nevertheless, we climbed as a team, and we all made it to the top (after some serious anxiety coaching). The picturesque views coupled with the perfect climbing conditions made this a moment worth blogging about.

Hikeable from July to November, Mount Pilchuck is worth the 4 1/2 hour round trip climb across the rock filled terrain. reSTART team members dispute the published 4 mile round trip statistic found in one popular hiking book. Rather we concur with another source which claims the hike is actually 6 miles round trip.

Suggestion for fellow hikers? Bring water for your dogs, and don’t hike this one alone. 

–Cosette