We headed up I-90 to the Granite Mountain trailhead. The trail was dry for the first mile or two, and we were considering heading up Granite, but given that we both had packs and were wary of snow/avalanche conditions, we took the less steep route towards Pratt Lake. It was a 4-5 mile hike each way, the elevation gain a lot more gradual than up to the Granite Lookout. About 1.5-2 miles in after several waterfall crossings, we hit snow... a LOT of snow. It was all packed down, so it was fine to walk on, but I think towards the lake there was at least 4-5 feet of snow. It was weird walking around so close to the treetops!
Near the lake, we got out onto the open ridge and decided to climb up the snowfield (bottom picture) for a lunch break. Being afraid of heights, this part sketched me out a little bit, but I figure it's always good to push out of your comfort zone a little bit. I fell a few times in the snow and even more slipping and sliding back down on the trail, but all in all it was a good hike and good to get some pack time in. No rain, and good company!
Peek-a-boo view of Pratt Lake from our lunch spot. The clouds/fog were rolling in by the time we finished.
This was a pretty steep lunch spot for someone who is afraid of heights!!
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