Summer Running – Granite-Pratt Lakes-Defiance Loop
28 miles and 9,500′ of awesome.
– First 5ish miles were on forest road as we ran from our ending trailhead (Ira Springs) to starting trailhead (Talapus Lake). From there, it was great trail and climbing up to the junction with the Pratt Lakes trail.
– A 2 mile, 1000′ descent got us to the Granite Mountain trail, which was the time-and-effort crux of the route. I’m suffering from a injury in my quad/calf/knee/goosefoot area, which bugs me particularly on steep technical terrain, as I can’t raise my leg easily to get over rocks and large steps. Despite the extra time needed for my leg, we cruised up to the Fire Lookout in moody pacific northwest weather. It remained cool and cloudy all day — much appreciated weather after what’s been a hot-hot-hot summer.
– After tagging Granite Mountain, we ran back the way we came, back up towards the Pratt Lake junction, and continued on towards Mason Lake and Mt Defiance. Mellow cruising past the Island Lake/Pratt Lake trail junction, followed by some great running at a fun, fast pace to the base of Defiance. Again, ascent was tough due to crappy leg injury(?).
– Descent back to the car was a blast. It felt great unloading some speed in those last 5 miles, and felt especially good to feel like our legs were fresh after 23 miles and over 9,000′ of elevation.
Really loving this break from the hot weather here in the PNW!
Katy moving up to the summit of Granite.
Impressive views from the summit of Granite. Sort of.
Drama on the north side of P3
Katy super excited about the view from Mt. Defiance.
Mt Defiance Locals. Apparently iphones can take decent photos!