Annette Lake Trailhead

The Annette Lake Trailhead is a gateway to the high-country landscapes and pristine wilderness of Washington State. Located near Granite Mountain, this location serves as the starting point for one of the most beloved routes in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the USA.

The journey begins in a dense old-growth forest where ancient Douglas firs, hemlocks, and cedars provide cool shade even on sunny days. The trail gains elevation steadily, leading hikers past the rushing Humpback Creek falls and open rocky slopes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain peaks.

The ultimate goal of the route is the picturesque alpine Annette Lake, surrounded by majestic cliffs. Thanks to the well-maintained trail, the presence of bridges over creeks, and a moderate difficulty level, this spot is ideal for both experienced hikers and those just beginning their journey into the Cascade Mountains.

To plan your visit to the trailhead, it is useful to have the latest Forest Service contact information on hand. This will help you check current trail conditions or rules for staying within the national forest area.

Below is the official information that may be useful to travelers before setting out.

The main event here is the hike to the lake itself, during which nature literally changes its scenery before your eyes. Along the way, be sure to stop at Humpback Creek Falls to capture the power of the water flows, and at the open talus slopes, from which Granite Mountain is visible in all its glory.

Upon reaching the destination, many prefer to set up a cozy picnic right on the fallen logs by the water's edge. During the warmer months, you can observe wildflowers like glacier lilies and meet the local fauna—curious gray jays that often accompany hikers. In summer, the lake's surroundings delight with an abundance of ripe huckleberries.

For those who want to extend their connection with nature, camping spots are provided on the northern shore of the lake. Watching the sunrise here, when the first rays of light paint the mountain tops in golden hues, is an unforgettable experience. In winter, the route transforms into a real fairytale with frozen waterfalls and ice sculptures along the lakeshore.

The easiest way to reach this natural attraction is by car from Seattle or Renton; the trip takes about 45 minutes. You need to drive along I-90 to Exit 47 (North Bend) and then follow Forest Road 9070 to the paved parking lot.

It is important to remember that a Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking in this area. The trail itself starts to the right of the information kiosk, soon crossing the scenic Humpback Creek and passing under power lines before heading deep into the forest.

During the winter, the road can be heavily snowed in, so hikers often have to park a bit earlier and walk an extra half-mile to the official trailhead. There is no direct public transport to this point, so a taxi or a rental car remains the most reliable way to get there.

The path to Annette Lake is more than just a modern hiking route; it is a trail with a rich history. The first mentions of this area appear on Forest Service maps from 1936, when the North Bend area was just beginning to develop as an outdoor recreation zone. Even then, nature lovers appreciated these places for their rugged beauty.

In the mid-20th century, the trail gained recognition among mountaineers: in 1949, Fred Beckey described it in his famous guidebook as one of the routes to the summit of Silver Peak. The real boom in popularity happened in 1966 when the route was included in Louise B. Marshall's book "100 Hikes in Western Washington," becoming a true classic for residents of the Pacific Northwest in the USA.

In recent years, the route has undergone significant changes thanks to large-scale improvement projects. In 2023, a project was implemented to reinforce the trail, which included building new bridges and specialized stairs on steep sections. Interestingly, part of the path runs alongside the old CMSP&P railroad grade, where the last train passed back in 1980.

To fully enjoy the beauty of the route and the lake itself, the average traveler will need 4 to 6 hours. This time includes the round-trip journey, which is approximately 11–13 kilometers, as well as necessary stops for rest and taking in the scenery.

It is recommended to set aside an extra hour for a picnic by the lakeshore and a photo session against the backdrop of surrounding peaks like Abiel and Silver. Your pace will largely depend on your physical fitness and weather conditions, especially if there are lingering patches of ice or snow on the trail.

Access to the trail is open 24/7, 365 days a year, allowing experienced hikers to plan night ascents or catch the first rays of the sun at the top. However, one should always consider seasonality and the weather conditions of the mountain region.

The National Forest administration recommends that visitors check information on the official website before their trip. Temporary access restrictions may occur due to weather events or trail maintenance work.

The trailhead's location in the heart of the Cascade Mountains opens up many additional opportunities for travelers. The surrounding area is rich with other routes of varying difficulty, allowing you to see even more alpine lakes and impressive panoramas of Washington State.

If you still have energy after the hike to the lake, it is worth checking out the nearby attractions, each of which has its own unique character.