Granite Lakes via Granite Creek

Granite Lakes are situated in between Revolution Peak and Mailbox Peak, and the hike offers incredible views away from the busy Interstate 90. This hike is not very popular, though it is very scenic because the well-maintaied trail follows Granite Creek all the way up to its source Granite Lake. The trail starts out with a heavy incline, but it quickly levels off. There are benches placed at the beginning of the hike along with a few more about a half mile in. At 1.25 miles there is a connector trail coming from the left. Continue to the left, following the signs to Granite Lake. From here you can follow Granite Creek the rest of the way to the lakes. At 1.75 miles there is a new bridge that was put in by helicpter in 2015, and some reminents of the old bridge are still visible in the creek bellow. Since the trail was recently redone, the majority of the trail is relatively dry with only a few stream crossings. The stream crossings start at about 2 miles in with crossing around eight different tributaty streams, none of which are very deep. At just under 3 miles in you can begin to see the gorge open up with Mailbox Peak to the right. There is a fork in the trail a half mile from the lake; left leads to Thompson Lake, and the right leads to Granite Lakes. Just before reaching the lake, there is a small, flat boulderfield that will lead to a fantasic view of the lake.