Granite Falls #301

The North Fork Granite Creek winds through stands of towering ancient western red cedar trees. Some of these towering giants date back 1000 to 2000 years. Wildflowers dot the forest floor with shades of pink, yellow, blue or white, with a different display for spring, summer and fall. Species that are commonly encountered include lily of the valley, spring beauty, trilliums, violets, foamflower, and wild ginger. The cool, moist temperatures of this secluded snap shot of history make this site a wonderful place to visit on a hot, dry summer day. There are three trails, two trails are maintained from the trailhead and one is north of the parking area. An easily hiked trail of 365 feet runs along the creek bringing hikers to a viewpoint of the Lower Granite Creek Falls cascading over a sheer rock wall. There is a one-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty that leads up the old road for 200 feet above the trailhead. This longer trail will bring you through a series of switchbacks to views of the Upper Granite Creek Falls and the Lower Granite Creek Falls. Ancient cedars can be viewed in the parking area and through a short loop trail just North of the parking area.