If you’re looking for a way to escape Redding’s hot weather, head for Granite Lake in the Trinity Alps. Not for the faint of heart, this hike begins at an elevation of 4,000 feet and adds another 2,000 feet as you navigate the 5.5-mile trail to this pristine mountain lake. Along the way you’ll see beautiful old-growth trees, views of both Swift Creek and Granite Creek, several waterfalls, and many wildflowers.
Among the blooms spotted were the Shasta lily, leopard lily, California corn lily, naked mariposa lily, Lyall’s angelica, pipsissewa, California lady’s-slipper, scarlet gilia, mountain blue penstemon, pinedrops, western azalea, blue-eyed-grass, rosy spirea, pioneer violet, and monkshood.
Pack plenty of water and a lunch. My wife Billie, sister Kit, dog Baxster, and I spent five hours hiking in (checking out the flowers and other beautiful sights) and three hours hiking out. I would rate this hike as moderately difficult because of the 11-plus miles out-and-back length, the elevation gain, and some trail sections that require full attention to avoid a fall. A printed trail guide is highly recommended so that you take the shortest route to Granite Lake!
Allow at least one hour and forty-five minutes of travel time from Redding to the Swift Creek Trailhead. Drive to Weaverville and turn right onto Highway 3. Travel 29 miles to Trinity Center. About a quarter of a mile past Trinity Center, turn left onto Swift Creek Road. Drive 6.5 miles on this mostly dirt road. After arriving at the Swift Creek Trailhead, you’ll find signage directing you to Granite Lake. -Chris Harvey
Please enjoy the following slideshow of photos taken by Chris Harvey on his hike to Granite Lake, July 11, 2020.
