Alpine Lakes Wilderness #9 - Granite Lakes and Thompson Lake

A Reminder to Look Up

The hike to Granite Lakes was a delight.

The path was easy to follow, there wasn’t much snow, and the steady climb warmed me up after starting at 6 a.m. in 37-degree air. It was the kind of early morning hike that makes the alarm clock feel like a good decision.

The hike toward Thompson Lake was a different story.

Snow slowed everything down. I kept my head lowered, carefully following the footsteps pressed into the snow ahead of me. The problem was that whoever made those tracks was not going to Thompson Lake.

Because my eyes were fixed on where I was stepping, I completely missed the sign for the lake. I probably went a half mile off route before realizing I was heading in the wrong direction.

It was a small mistake, but a useful one.

Sometimes the trail asks for careful footing. Sometimes it asks you to stop, lift your head, and make sure you are still going where you meant to go.

If You Go

• Location: Granite Lakes and Thompson Lake are located near Snoqualmie Pass, just off I-90, making them a convenient early morning outing from the Seattle area.

• Distance: Granite Lakes is a moderate hike on its own, but adding Thompson Lake extends the trip and adds route-finding complexity, especially in shoulder-season conditions.

• Elevation Gain: Expect a steady climb that warms you up quickly—especially helpful on cold mornings.

• Trail Conditions: In spring, snow lingers beyond Granite Lakes. Traction (microspikes) can be helpful, and route-finding becomes more important as snow can obscure signage.

• Navigation Tip: Don’t blindly follow footprints. Tracks can lead anywhere. Watch carefully for the junction to Thompson Lake—it’s easy to miss when you’re focused on your footing.

• Best Time to Go: Early mornings offer solitude and firm snow conditions, but be prepared for cold starts. It also helps find a parking spot. Although there is generous parking at the trailhead it fills fast. As I was leaving at 11:30am, vehicles were circling waiting for spots to open up.

• Gear: Waterproof boots, traction, and a map or GPS are recommended when snow is present.

• Bonus: Even if you miss Thompson Lake (like I did initially), Granite Lakes alone makes for a rewarding outing.