Robin Lakes and Granite Mountain Trail Run

Today I was anxious to explore one of Washington State's hidden gems; the "Mini-Enchantments" -- a stunning place of deep blue lakes, glacier polished granite, mountain goats galore and some pristine peaks for scrambling. This is not an easy place to get to, as this report will confirm.

I left my house at 5:40 a.m., stopping for a triple Americano before hopping on the freeway and making my way over Snoqualmie Pass to Roslyn. From there I drove towards Salmon La Sac eventually arriving at the Deception Pass trailhead (3400 ft.) (the last ten miles of the drive were on rugged, dirt roads).

At 8 a.m. I set out at a jog carrying only gatorade, snacks, my camera, gps, and a few other supplies. Looking towards Cathedral Rock and Mount Daniel I was reminiscing over last year's 2 1/2 day run on the PCT, which passes right by those landmarks.

At 4.5 miles the trail turns UPHILL and becomes a rugged climb -- ascending rapidly to Tuck Lake. After that, the trail is difficult to find and becomes a scramble -- one that is well worth it. Robin Lakes are amazing and I arrived to stunning views and more mountain goats than people. After snapping photos I pushed on up Granite Mountain, arriving at the 7144 ft. summit at 11:30 a.m. The trip down went pretty well -- except for the time that I slipped and ended up with a nasy gash in my shin (I decided not to post a photo). It was getting hot but my gatorade lasted until the final two miles. I also enjoyed a swim to cool off in Hyas Lake. And I marveled at the hikers gutting it out as they trudged up the trail with their heavy packs. I'm pretty sure some of them were going to have a hard time making it to their destinations.

All together I think I logged 19 miles with lots of climbing. I was back at my car at 2 p.m. and make it home before dinner.

I would highly recommend this hike. It is one of the most beautiful ones I have done. Just don't try to do it in a day.