The astounding views from the summit of the Granite Mountain trail come at a price. A nearly-1000-feet-of-elevation-gain-per-mile price. But views of pointed Kaleetan Peak, deep blue Crystal Lake, the climber-dotted Tooth, and Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the south make it all worth it. Granite Mountain is an average 18.3% grade with 3800 feet of vertical. There is a waterfall that can make things interesting depending upon the time of year and how much water is flowing. There are two routes. The summer route which goes around the talus slope or the winter route which goes right over the talus slope when covered in snow. There are three avalanche chutes to cross through in the winter so know your own skills before going through. The GPX file shows the summer route but I think for the FKT either route should be allowed. Go when the conditions are fastest!
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/granite-mountain
