Humpback Falls

The Lake 22 Trailhead is located 13-1/2 miles east of Granite Falls along the Mountain Loop Highway and is prominently signed (and indicated often by overflow parking along the highway). The hike to the lake is approximately 2.4 miles in length, and the various waterfalls along the creek can be partially seen from points along the route. Humpback Falls is passed about three-quarters of a mile from the trailhead.Humpback Falls is the fourth and smallest of the significant waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek as it exits Lake 22 on the north flank of Mount Pilchuck. The falls cascade 23 feet as the creek splits into two channels which tumble side-by-side. When viewed from the trail, the profile of the falls makes it look as if there is only one segment which appears as if it has a concave shape in the water as it slides down the rock, resulting in a "hump" like appearance that isn't quite as distinct when viewed up close. Twentytwo Creek originates in Lake 22 just upstream from the first of the waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek, and drains from a basin covering just seven-tenths of a square mile. Despite the small drainage area, the stream retains a fairly consistent flow throughout the year thanks to the significant precipitation the area receives and the steep cliffs on the north side of Mount Pilchuck which shield the basin from direct sunlight and slows the rate of snow melt in the spring.The series of waterfalls along Twentytwo Creek have been collectively referred to as Twentytwo Creek Falls since the first edition of Greg Plumb's "Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest" which later became the "Waterfall Lover's Guide" series. Because closer examination of the creek shows there are at least 5 distinct waterfalls along the creek, this name is not terribly appropriate.