There is a part of me that feels a certain sense of accomplishment when you cover a lot of miles with a lot of vertical gain, and that’s a common element of most days on the trail. This was not one of those days.
This day was a reminder that I was where I longed to be: in the mountains. Why rush? Why not lie on your back in the afternoon, sunning on a rock next to a babbling creek? That’s exactly what we did.
The Route
The hike from Mystic Camp to Granite Creek was short, a mere 4.6 miles, and took us only about two and a half leisurely hours. We started with a descent of 1,000 feet to Winthrop Creek, and the views of Mount Rainier began to open up.
The lower section of the Winthrop Glacier looks less like the snow and ice we think of when we imagine a glacier, and more like dirt and rock. Beneath that talus there is ice, moving slowly down the mountain.
After crossing Winthrop Creek, the second half of the day was all uphill and forested. We crossed Granite Creek on a log, and the camp was on the right. The campsites were spread out nicely, and arriving before lunch, we had our pick. We chose a roomy site closest to the creek, set up camp and proceeded to laze about for the rest of the day.
Highlights
Winthrop Creek and the Winthrop Glacier
The 1,000-foot descent to Winthrop Creek opens up the first real views of Mount Rainier, and the dirt-and-rock face of the lower Winthrop Glacier is a good reminder that glaciers don’t always look like postcards.
Granite Creek
We read, took photos, and generally just enjoyed the sounds of the creek and the beautiful weather. It was a day to just “be” in the wilderness, and a great reminder to slow down and enjoy the peace once in a while.
Where to Stay
Granite Creek Camp is a pleasant place to stop. The campsites are spread out nicely, and since we arrived before lunch we had our pick; we took a roomy site closest to the creek. There’s a pit toilet at camp. With a short day like this one, arriving early is what makes it feel like a rest day.
Practical Notes
- Short day: Only 4.6 miles, so you can be in camp before lunch and have the afternoon to relax.
- Climb: The day starts with a 1,000-foot descent to Winthrop Creek, then the second half is uphill through forest.
- Creek crossings: Winthrop Creek is a crossing, and Granite Creek is crossed on a log just before camp.
- Camp: The sites are spread out, so you can pick a spot near the creek if you get there early. There is a pit toilet.
- Views: Mount Rainier opens up on the descent, and the Winthrop Glacier is visible through the trees.
The Day in Numbers
| Start | Mystic Camp |
| End | Granite Creek Camp |
| Distance | 4.6 miles (7.4 km) |
| Moving time | 2.5 hours |
| Elevation gain | 1,502 ft (458 m) |
| Elevation loss | 999 ft (304 m) |
| Creek crossings | Winthrop Creek, Granite Creek (log) |
| Camp facilities | Pit toilet |
Originally hiked on August 12, 2019 with Derek and Jason.
Jeff has hiked and explored trails for over 50 years, covering everything from casual canyon walks to rugged multi-day Sierra routes. He started SoCalHiker.net in 2010 to document the trails he loves — and to make it easier for others to discover them.