Granite Mountain, Mountain summit in King County, Washington.
Granite Mountain is a summit in King County, Washington, rising to about 5,600 feet with distinctive rocky outcrops and exposed stone formations. The landscape transitions gradually from thick evergreen forests lower down to bare alpine terrain near the peak.
A fire lookout station was built on the summit in 1924 to help monitor forest fires in the region. The structure underwent a major rebuild in 1955 to improve its function and longevity.
Volunteers dedicate their time from June through September to maintain and operate the fire lookout station at the mountain summit.
The hike takes roughly four to five hours for a round trip and demands reasonable fitness from visitors. The path is steep with numerous switchbacks and challenging sections, especially during wet weather when the trail becomes slippery.
The area receives heavy, wet snowfall during winter months because of maritime influences from the Pacific Ocean. Summer brings clear skies and excellent visibility on the summit due to pressure systems that develop over the water.
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