Revolution Peak 4-21-2012

I have always wanted to hike beyond the Granite Lakes, and today is the day.  With my favorite canines and humans, we went off to North Bend.  I-90 East, exit 34.  Go north on 468th Ave for 0.4 miles.  Turn right  on to SE Middle Fork Rd.  Drive 2.5 miles to the Mailbox TH.  Park here and walk 0.1 mile to DNR gate as there is room for only 2 cars.  This gated old logging road is the start of Granite Lakes and Revolution Peak.  Discover Pass required.  We did 14 miles and 3972 ft elevation gain.

We are at the split, 4.9 miles from the gait.  Right is to the Granite Lakes.  We went straight towards Thompson Lake. Champ is looking for ....

Climbing up an avalanche field

 Sly and Champ

 Champ is happy.  He pounced at the snow and made it move and herded the snow balls.

View East

 View Southeast and Thompson Lake

 Yours truly

 Granite Lakes: we have hiked to the upper Granite Lake (left) many times.

We haven't quite made it to the peak because my humans were tired from long snowshoeing.  When snow is gone, I want to come back and hike to the peak.  Hike is mostly on exposed logging road.  Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and lots of water are must-carry items.  I also want to hike to Thompson Lake.  It will be a long hike (~20 mil RT).  Another way to Thomson Lake is from Ira Spring trail head which will be shorter, about 16 miles through the old Mason Lake trail.
Another grand day in the mountains.  We came home, chewed trachea, had a big dinner, and hit the bed.  We were all quiet next day, all day.