- Local Group (Wikipedia)
The Local Group is the galaxy group that includes the Milky Way. It has a total diameter of roughly 3 megaparsecs (10 million light-years; 9×1022 metres), and a total mass of the order of 2×1012 solar masses (4×1042 kg). It consists of two collections of galaxies in a “dumbbell” shape: the Milky Way and its satellites form one lobe, and the Andromeda Galaxy and its satellites constitute the other. The two collections are separated by about 800 kpc (3×106 ly; 2×1022 m) and are moving toward one another with a velocity of 123 km/s. The group itself is a part of the larger Virgo Supercluster, which may be a part of the Laniakea Supercluster. The exact number of galaxies in the Local Group is unknown as some are occluded by the Milky Way; however, at least 80 members are known, most of which are dwarf galaxies.
- Granite Mountain (Snoqualmie) (summitpost.org)
Granite Mountain is becoming one of the most popular hikes on the I-90 corridor. The incline and elevation gain makes it an ideal training hike for larger peaks like Baker or Rainier. From the trail head, follow Pratt Lake Trail #1007 which ascends through the woods gradually climbing for about a mile until you cross several small creeks and it meets with the Granite Mountain Trail, that goes up to the right (#1016).
Washington Trails Association
- Granite Mountain (wta.org)
The astounding views from the summit of the Granite Mountain trail come at a price. A nearly-1000-feet-of-elevation-gain-per-mile price. But views of pointed Kaleetan Peak, deep blue Crystal Lake, the climber-dotted Tooth, and Mount Rainier dominating the skyline to the south make it all worth it.
- Granite Mountain (King County, Washington) (Wikipedia)
Granite Mountain is a tall peak in the Cascade Range in King County, Washington 16 miles (26 km) east of North Bend. A fire lookout on the summit can be reached by trail. The fire lookout was first constructed in 1924 and was then rebuilt 31 years later. It is still maintained by volunteers June through September each year.