Granite Mountain via Tuck and Robin Lakes Trail
A tough climb to a spectacular summit, with some beautiful alpine lakes thrown in.
Alpine Climbing Easy
- Distance
- 22 km
- Ascent
- 1.4 km
- Descent
- 1.4 km
- Low Point
- 1 km
- High Point
- 2.2 km
- Gradient
- 17˚
If you're looking for a strenuous hike with incredible views of alpine lakes and granite peaks, you might want to try this route to the summit of Granite Mountain via the Tuck and Robin Lakes trail. This 13.9-mile out-and-back trail takes you through a variety of terrain, from old logging roads and forest to meadows and rocky slopes. You'll climb over 4,500 feet in elevation to reach two sparkling lakes in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and, eventually, the summit of Granite Mountain.
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Description
The trail starts from a parking lot off Forest Road 4330, which may require a high-clearance vehicle in winter or after heavy rain. The first 4 miles follow the Deception Pass Trail, which is mostly flat and easy. You'll pass by Hyas Lake and enjoy views of the valley and the mountains. At the junction, turn right and follow the sign for Tuck and Robin Lakes. The trail becomes narrower and steeper as it ascends through the forest. You'll cross some small streams and encounter some switchbacks along the way. The trail can be dusty and rooty in places, so watch your footing.
After about 5 miles, you'll reach Tuck Lake, a lovely spot to relax and enjoy the scenery, with clear water and views of Cathedral Rock. But if you want to see more, you can continue another mile and 800 feet up to Robin Lakes, which are even more spectacular. The trail is hard to follow in this section, but look for cairns and keep left by the lake. You'll have to navigate some snow fields and boulders in early season. Robin Lakes are nestled among granite cliffs and offer stunning views of Mount Daniel and other peaks. You can explore the area and find a campsite near one of the lakes, or just enjoy a picnic and some photos before heading back down.
For the intrepid hiker, consider heading beyond the lakeshore to the summit of Granite Mountain, which provides a spectacular 360-degree vista of the entire region!
Sources: Tuck and Robin Lakes — Washington Trails Association. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/robin-lakes. Tuck + Robin Lakes | Outdoor Project. https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/washington/tuck-robin-lakes. Tuck and Robin Lakes Washington - Bing Maps. https://www.bing.com/maps/trail/Tuck-and-Robin-Lakes-Washington?id=2982118276e478cb8d19e17397e0d1e8. Conversation with Bing Chat
Difficulty
Easy
The ascent involves simple glacier hiking and/or short, straightforward rock scrambles. Equivalent to Alpine F, F+
Medium Exposure
The route features some exposed and/or difficult to protect sections.
Remoteness
In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.