Granite Mountain (47.41712, -121.48132) History A Mountaineer Journal describes the summit of Granite as having a summer forest lookout station as early as 1916. A 1920 summit photo confirms the existence of a cabin and in 1924, an elevated D-6 cupola cabin was constructed. A new Weyerhaeuser product called Balsam Wood was used as additional insulation and shutters were hinged from the top. In the 1940s the lookout was possibly used during WWII to spot enemy aircraft. The current 10′ L-4 tower was built aroun d 1956 and is usually staffed with volunteers from June through September. The route. Distance (RT): 8.6 miles Elevation Gain: 3,800' Summit Elevation: 5,629′ If you look at maps, it’s possible to get creative with routes to Granite and turn this into a much longer adventurous outing, but most people take the standard approach from the main I-90 trailhead. The first mile of the trail starts relatively tame and you’l l climb most of the 3,800′ to the summit in the last 3 miles. From the Pratt Lake trailhead, head up the trail and look for the Granite Mountain junction in approximately 1.2 miles. Now the upward climb really begins! A few seasonal streams can provide water sources but don’t count on them during the height of summer and don’t count on shade either. Once you leave the trees it’s a hot, exposed climb to the top. Higher up as you spy the lookout in the distance, be aware that the trail breaks into several paths that lead everywhere . Some people head straight up the ridge crest, climbing over boulders to the summit. The recommended route is to turn right through the bas in and around to the backside of the mountain where a trail will obviously lead you to a final steep climb to the top. Look and listen for pika along the way, they’re very popular here. 2022-08-16 13:33