Granite Mountain (North Cascades)

Overview

The Southeast Face

Distance: 12.5 miles round-trip Accumulative Elevation Gain: 4900 feet Difficulty: strenuous, partially off-trail Granite Mountain is a seldom visited peak 43 miles east of city of Bellingham and 8 miles south of the Canadian border. Why is this peak an unusual destination even though it has 668 feet of prominence? Several factors are likely responsible. The main reason is that the approach is long and partially off-trail. Furthermore it's necessary to pass over the summit of neighboring Hannegan Peak along the way. It's likely that Granite was first ascended in 1901 by Smith and Calkins.

But let's get honest here. Who wants to climb another Granite Mountain??? Come on, somebody... Anybody? I guess not. There are 12 of them in the State of Washington alone. It's one of those common names that's just not very exciting, like "Bald Mountain". If you tell your buddies you did Granite they'll assume you mean the popular one located off Interstate 90. If you mention that it's located in the North Cascades they're eyes will glaze over and they'll say "Huh? What are you talking about?" This peak is a good choice for folks who have done a lot and are still looking for something new.

Bordered by Ruth Creek on the southwest and Middle Fork Silesia Creek on the northeast, Granite Mountain is part of a system of ridges which connects to Hannegan Peak and Ruth Mountain in the southeast and Mount Chardonnay, Mamie Pass, and Goat Mountain in the northwest. The south and west sides of the mountain are sloping and well forested below but the upper slopes are covered with blueberries, alpine grasses and, wild flowers. The northeast face is different story. The bedrock here is very much exposed. Near the summit and ridges, near vertical granite cliffs drop down to far-spanning granite talus slopes.

Views From The South East Ridge

The Route

The view from the summit of Granite Mountain Full Size

This stretch of land at the northern end of the Cascade Range is a particularly spectacular part of Washington State. Some climbers claim that the Cascades becomes more scenic the further north you go. The first objective is the summit of Hannegan Peak (6187 feet). From the parking lot the trail traverses the north side of a long valley with Ruth creek running below. Waterfalls tumble down from glaciers along the side of Mount Sefrit and Nooksack Ridge. The, gradually Ruth Mountain comes into view after the first mile. The trail is very well graded all the way to Hannegan Pass which is one of a few of the main gateways to the Picket Range.

At the pass there is a junction. Turn left for Hannegan Peak. Continuing east would lead towards Mount Challenger, the Northern Pickets, and Ross Lake while turning right would go to Ruth Mountain and/or Icy Peak. Follow the trail for another 1,200 vertical feet up to the summit of Hannegan Peak. With good weather, Granite Mountain is now visible and clearly a loftier and more rewarding summit. A fairly good boot path continues northwest from the summit of Hannegan Peak. There are three distinct high points along the ridge. The first and largest, Point 6135, should be passed over.

The path might become intermittent at times but it is generally easy to follow. Even if the path didn't exist, with Granite Mountain visible, the direction of travel is obvious. In a couple of spots it may be necessary to navigate through a few tree branches. With the lowest saddle on the ridge at 5700 feet, only 490 feet is lost between Hannegan and Granite. At the base of Granite's southeast ridge the path disappears completely. Now prospective peakbaggers are on their own.

Ascend grassy slopes staying on or just west of the ridge crest avoiding small patches of trees as necessary. There should be little to none in the way of scrambling with the possible exception of one or two very short and easy moves with a minimum of exposure. At the summit several blocky rocks are interesting to explore. The pointed one is the high point and is easy to scramble up. A small cairn is near the high point and someone has left a stone there with the message: "Time is not gliding away. It builds up in your mind".

The views from the summit include Church Mountain, Excelsior Peak, Goat Mountain, Tomyhoi Peak, Winchester Mountain, Mount Larrabee, The Pleiades, Mount Chardonnay, Slesse Mountain, Pocket Peak, Mount Rexford, Blink Mountain, Copper Mountain, Mount Redoubt, Indian Mountain, Redface Mountain, Whatcom Peak, Mount Challenger, Crooked Thumb Peak, Phantom Peak, Mount Fury, Mineral Mountain, Ruth Mountain, the Nooksack Tower, Mount Shuksan, Mount Baker, Mount Sefrit and many more. Good campsites are available a half mile before the pass at Hannegan Camp, and also on top of Hannegan Peak.

Getting There

Red Tape / Restrictions

A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the Hannegan Pass trailhead $5 per day or $30 for an annual pass.

Where to get PARKING PASSES:

• SHELL GAS STATION: in Maple Falls, is on the right (heading East). They make good pretzels too. ---NO GASOLINE AVAILABLE BEYOND THIS POINT!!!--- no gas between Maple Falls and Deming (heading West).



• GLACIER PUBLIC RANGER STATION: (360) 599-2714
On the right (heading East) as you leave the town of Glacier.

Closed for the season after Oct. 11


• Bellingham REI: (360) 647-8955
  400 36th St Bellingham. Take a left off exit 252 (WWU-Bill McDonald Parkway), another left, it's in the Haggen lot.
  

When To Climb