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Seattle Trails

Humpback Mountain

Take this unofficial two-mile trail to the top of a little-known mountaintop offering views over Annette Lake and several Snoqualmie Pass peaks.

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As one might expect, Humpback Mountain’s shape—a smoothly curving ridgeline arching up one side and down the other—inspired The Mountaineers to christen it “Humpback” in reference to the whale. The mountain sits between two long abandoned railroad stations, Bandera and Rockdale, where the old railroad grade still runs along Humpback’s slopes, today carrying hikers and bikers along the Iron Horse Trail.

While this is not an officially maintained trail, there is a well-worn path kept up by a few dedicated volunteers. There are no signs are markers indicating an exact trailhead location, so be sure to have your map handy. The workout begins once you start the trail on an abandoned logging road heading north. With little in the way of switchbacks, the path turns to the southeast and climbs straight up the ridgeline through a young forest of hemlock and douglas fir, eventually transitioning into older growth. As you near the top, a few plateaus temper the upward march before the trees thin and talus begins. Take care navigating the rocks and boulders on the final push to the top.

On bluebird days, 360º views stretch out from Humpback’s rocky summit. To the north, across I-90 are Granite and Bandera Peaks, with the distinctive tooth of Kaleetan Peak rising behind. Immediately east, Silver Peak and Abiel Peak surround Annette Lake and take up most of the skyline. To the south, a vast sea of forest stretches to the base of Mt. Rainier, while Humpback’s western neighbor, Little St. Helens sits above the Snoqualmie Valley.

Mapped by Nathan & Jeremy Barnes Hiking With My Brother

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.2

Waypoints

HMP001

Location: 47.378571, -121.516112

At the steep bend in FR5510, an abandoned road continues straight ahead. Grab your gear and head up the abandoned road!

HMP002

Location: 47.383965, -121.516468

Stratified rocks are exposed at this location and make a dramatic contrast to the surrounding landscape of second-growth forest.

HMP003

Location: 47.385164, -121.515274

Junction with a hiking trail leading down the mountain. This trail is used when road 5510 is closed. Continue straight ahead on the road.

HMP004

Location: 47.38486, -121.513789

Junction with trail up the ridge of the mountain, turn right and uphill. Look for an area of torn up dirt on your right.

HMP005

Location: 47.383434, -121.513796

Under the canopy of forest, a lone yellow and brown sign marks the crossing over into the National Forest.

HMP006

Location: 47.382124, -121.511544

Crossing of another abandoned forest road. Continue going straight up the hill, the path is almost directly across the road.

HMP007

Location: 47.376948, -121.500736

The trail levels here; take a short break from the steep accent and stretch your legs.

HMP008

Location: 47.373673, -121.495496

The 5174′ summit of Humpback Mountain. Vistas of Snoqualmie Valley abound! Annette Lake and Silver Peak are southeast, Granite and Bandara mountains are directly north, and the rocky horn of McClellan Butte juts out to the west.

Forest Road

Location: 47.381614, -121.515956

Wood Stands

Location: 47.380336, -121.507115

Ridge Trail

Location: 47.378069, -121.502309

Boulders

Location: 47.375512, -121.498833

Annette Lake

Location: 47.373419, -121.495357

I-90 Corridor

Location: 47.373535, -121.496043

Summit Pano

Location: 47.373361, -121.495442

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