Location: Granite Falls
Top Things to do in Granite Falls
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Top 10 Things to do in Granite Falls, United States
Granite Falls in United States, from Nouth America region, is best know for Geologic Formations. Discover best things to do in Granite Falls with beautiful photos and great reviews from traveller around the world here!
Restaurants in Granite Falls
1. Big Four Ice Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Reviewed By rusty_fwg - Camano Island, Washington
Boardwalk to the first cave. Harder hike/rock climb to the last three but it's so worth it! If you have a filter bottle or Sawyer on your camel bak stop by cave three for the best refill ever!
Be careful around the caves. Don't go in. Watch for falling/rolling rocks. One almost clocked me.
2. Lake Stevens Community Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By TammyleeWA - Seattle, WA
Parking is a mess, but what a beautiful complex! We love watching our son play baseball here. The fields are really well maintained. I am wondering why they don't have local businesses advertising to support Lake Stevens Little League?
3. Lake Twenty Two Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Yuliya R - Seattle, Washington
One of my absolute favorite trails! The hike keeps surprising you with forest trails that turn into a fun rock scramble to the lake. Be prepared to climb some rocks. Nothing major, but bring sturdy shoes, water and maybe even a hiking pole - we saw a ton of people who were unprepared and really struggling. Lovely trail otherwise -highly recommend!
4. Mount Pilchuck
Overall Ratings
5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Louie M - Portland, Oregon
The hike up to the summit starts out pleasant with a forged path, trees and the sound of a peaceful current...About a 1/4 way up, things will start to get challenging. The terrain is rocky so wear good hiking boots, particularly ones that go above the ankle just in case you step on a faulty rock. There are orange markers every few 100 meters so you know you're going in the right direction.
I went in the middle of October so layer up because it can get cold at the top. We started our hike around 1 pm with plenty of sunlight (and stayed until the spectacular sunset). Moreover, there weren't many ppl hiking at this hour as most had already started hours before. If you're fit and able, expect to reach the summit in about 1.5 hours.
The hike to the outlook tower can also be a bit tricky because the base has some precipitous rocks...there is also a ladder one will need to climb to enter the tower. Nonetheless, it's worth every single step to get a 360-degree view of all the mountains that surround the Seattle area--so beautiful.
There's a bathroom just before the start of the trail, but hold your breath. Don't forget to sign the visitor logbook!
5. Mountain Loop Highway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By capableengineer - Redmond, Washington
As you head East from Granite Falls, on the Mountain Loop Highway, you will find a number of excellent mountain trails to explore. Of these, "Lake 22" (aka trail 702), within the Mount Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest, comprises a 2.7 mile, 1500 foot ascension into the Northern Cascades, offering the casual to advanced hiker a substantial natural experience, replete with numerous scenic vistas, moderately technical trail challenges, and a majestic view at the end which is difficult, if not impossible to comprehend, given its scale. This area was set aside in 1947 as a forest research area, and is filled with many species of tall trees and natural ground cover. Being an "old growth" forest, one can witness many tall trees (especially cedar), seventy to eighty feet in height, some with a width of eight to ten feet at their base.
The interested traveler is advised to reach the trailhead early in the day, as the parking is limited, and the trail is heavily travelled (especially on weekends, holidays, and in pleasant weather). Given the exertion one should expect, it is wise to prepare accordingly; wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing; carry plenty of water in a hiking backpack fitted with a bladder (or reusable water containers); wear good quality hiking boots (the terrain is littered with sharp rocks); use walking poles (not necessary but extremely useful for balance); have snacks on hand to refuel ("nutrition"/energy bars are best), and, especially in warm and sunny weather, have UV limiting eye protection and a small towel or headband to limit perspiration.
The trailhead begins with an information center, showing maps of the area, the variety of other trails within the region, drinking fountains, and restrooms. As the hiker enters the trail, they are met with a wide, smooth pebble gravel surface that quickly becomes more narrow and technical. While the majority of the trail is within tree canopy, providing a very comfortable transit, there are breaks within the canopy (one particular stretch that experienced an avalanche), where one is exposed to the possibility of substantial vistas, especially in full sun.
In the greater part of the hike, the trail floor offers an array of terrains, from small water crossings (especially in spring), mud, sharp rocks, bark, huge tree stumps and fallen trees (to be climbed over), manmade steps, loose gravel, and at higher elevations, early in season, thick, slippery snow pack. While the temperatures within the canopy stay comfortable, many switchbacks skirt beautiful, lush waterfalls that also provide a cooling blast of air, as well as opportunities for photography. Where seen, the streams and pools that follow are filled with cold, crystal clear waters from fresh snow melts.
On average, it takes two to two and one half hours to reach the lake. The lake approach has a well built wooden bridge that spans a stream that flows down from the lake, and a "boardwalk" where visitors can sit and rest. Lake 22 itself is a pool of fresh snow melt, fed from the majestic mountains that border it. These massive rock walls are nearly impossible to photograph in entirety, nor comprehend when photographed, because their sheer scale cannot be fathomed. As an example, people that choose to walk the circumference of the lake and approach the mountains on the opposing side appear as "ants" from the entrance point; full size trees are dwarfed, and waterfalls on the mountain faces appear as spiderwebs, their distance and height minimized by the mass of rock.
Expect to set aside a reasonable block of time for this hike; six hours is a good minimum. And while Lake 22 may not be as well known as Area 47, it is nonetheless just as alien, secret to most, and not something that everyone will have an opportunity to see. If you are willing to put in the time and energy, it is well worth the trip. Happy hiking!
6. Heather Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Laurie L
The hike is listed as 4 miles plus an additional mile if you walk around the lake. The trail up took us about 1 1/2 hrs. While it is not that steep, the footing is very uneven/rocky for most of it. You walk through a beautiful forest with some huge old growth trees. The lake is set amidst steep mountains and is a beautiful destination. We also hiked Lake 22, which is close by. It is a little bit longer but the footing is easier for most of it. The birds were more numerous on this later hike and there we more huge trees.
Both are very popular hikes. We hiked both, mid week in late June, on very hot days. Starting out at 8:30 AM we were the 6th car in the parking lot, but at the end, the lot was full.
You need to leave a $5 fee for this hike or use an interagency pass.
7. Jordan Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By BaybiePowder - Arlington, Washington
Just out for a drive with the family, we stumbled across a sign that said Jordan Bridge. We knew there was a river that ran thru but what's the big deal with a bridge. Well, take the time and park, because for the little town of Arlington, its something to behold.
Parking lot is rather small, that is directly in front of the bridge, however north approx 500ft is an alternate parking lot. Don't park across the street anywhere because that is private property. Once on the bridge you hear splashing and kids playing. Get to the middle and look over (if you dare) and it's a long ways down. Couples soaking up some rays, dogs playing fetch and kids playing in the water. I must caution that, from the bridge view, you can see that the back is about 10 out then it drops off fast. So use your own judgment if you want the little ones in the water, oh and the under current is swift.
All and all it's a nice surprise to have seen this bridge, literally in the middle of nowhere.
8. Robe Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By BaybiePowder - Arlington, Washington
Once at trail head, it is very flat and open. You will see a "trail advisory" marker. Trail changes from this point, you descend into the canyon. Can't really see much, other than blood sucking skeeters. Once the trail levels out you can hear the roar of the Stillaguamish River. When river becomes visible, this is when you may want to consider turning back. The rest is muddy, tricky and DANGEROUS. Most definitely NOT for pets and/or children. Found several artifacts reminding us that this area is full of history. Saw several neat waterfalls and a few little caves (good 4 pictures). This is "technically" the end of the trail (1.2 miles). There is a sign telling you to stop, warning you of the slide area. DO NOT ENTER. Don't let temptation win, it really doesn't look so bad, until you are in the middle of the slide area. You look UP and see cracked boulders, and dangling trees. Then look DOWN and there is the swiftly moving river smiling at you with an evil grin. Once past slide area, you realize that this area is truly fantastic. Out of the clear blue, you see a tunnel. There are two that are accessible (assuming you continue past the do not enter sign). Tunnel #6 is pretty long with a turn. Tunnel #5 is short, but interesting. This canyon is simply amazing. Huge does not even begin to describe the rock wall along the opposite side of the river.
9. Granite Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By Rainier72 - Lynnwood, Washington
Just a mile north of the town of Granite Falls is the namesake falls. It's actually more of a quick stop along the Mountain Loop Highway, but if you want to spend more time by the water, it's a great place to do so. To get down to the water from the small parking lot does require going down some stairs and quite the hill down, but it is worth the effort. There is a newer sign down below explaining the history of the falls and the town. Even though there is a fish ladder down there, the river scenery does steal the show. The falls may not be as spectacular as some, but it's still a fun place to go to. It's only about a 40 foot drop for the falls. The setting though is nice. Across the river, there is a nice rock wall which makes the setting a bit more compact. There are no picnic tables, but if you get creative you can find a spot and eat and watch the river go by. Whether it's a quick stop or an all day affair, Granite Falls the falls is a worthwhile stop along the Mountain Loop Highway.
10. Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By SYLB-TX - Rockport, Washington
Divine Nature and Life Giving Forces (and a Shinto Priest or two) reside here in harmony. Set alongside the Stilly River just outside the town of Granite Falls, this place is a pleasure to visit by yourself to meditate in nature or share cultural moments with family. Open from 10am-4pm daily, no food, drink or pets please. Please avoid visiting in jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tank tops and bare feet. It's a matter of respect.
To make Sanpai/formal Shrine visit is a serious matter of giving gratitude to and receiving Ki/Ukehi from Kali and Great Nature. Visit the Temizu (water on hands) first, follow the instructions there before you start your visit of the grounds. Bring a few $1 coins to donate when you pray to Kali, or just as a monetary offering of Thank You as there's never any entry or admission fees, and your peaceful privacy is almost assured.
Easy walking paths around to various Shrines to sacred Deities promoting world peace. See different types of offerings, statues and blessings. No guides. If you so choose, you have the ability to purchase your own Emaden (votive plaque with your wish words), Omikuji (fortune telling slips) or Omamori (yearly protective amulet) to leave behind or take home.
Not to be missed when visiting the Granite Falls and Mountain Loop Highway area. If you can find it! It's a true hidden gem full of surprising features.
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