Page Type Page Type: Mountain/Rock
Location Lat/Lon: 47.28663°N / 121.4196°W
Additional Information County: King / Kittitas
Activities Activities: Hiking
Seasons Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Additional Information Elevation: 4600 ft / 1402 m
Sign the Climber's Log

Overview

Big Muffin is the unofficial name given to a peak located in on the county line between King County and Kittitas County in Washington. The peak is easily accessible, conveniently located near the southwestern side of large reservoir Keechelus Lake near Interstate-90.
Big Muffin

Despite these aspects, the mountain is seldom summited. The views from the summit are obstructed by surrounding evergreen forests. The ascent is mostly via logging roads. Some peakbaggers might be interested in summiting the peak due to its minimum 920' of prominence. Some other peakbaggers might choose to visit the peak as a Winter destination due to its easy-to-follow road routes.
Big MuffinAlong The Big Muffin Approach...

Big Muffin can be summited year-round, and is located near the Pacific Crest Trail. However, it would be best to visit the peak (if at all) during late Autumn while weather conditions worsen mountaineering options elsewhere, or during Winter and early Spring as a snowshoeing destination.
Stirrup LakeStirrup Lake, Seen From Big Muffin Approach

Getting There

FROM SNOQUALMIE PASS, WA:


1) Drive ESE along Interstate-90 until Exit 62.
2) At Exit 62, head WSW along Forest Road 54.
3) After 1.0 miles, turn right (north) onto Forest Road 5480.
4) After 1.6 miles further, shortly after passing the southwestern end of Keechelus Lake, turn left (west) onto Forest Road 5483.
5) After 2.8 miles further, turn left (south) onto Forest Road 5484.
6) After 0.5 miles further, turn right (south) onto Forest Road 114.
Big MuffinTurning Onto Forest Road 114

7) Follow Forest Road 114 for approximately one mile until passing by where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the road. Shortly thereafter at the next road junction, which is a five-way road intersection, sharply turn right (northwest) and uphill.
NOTE: This side-road parallels above Forest Road 114.
8) The side-road soon passes around the upper northeast slopes of a rocky 4000' hill. Near the top of the hill is a gated side-road beginning to the right (north) side. Take the gated side-road.
9) At approximately 3930' elevation, the road splits. Turn left (west), not straight (north).
10) Continue following this main road until heads south near the summit of Big Muffin.
NOTE: At approximately 4500' elevation, the road splits. Veer left, which heads south until immediately east of the summit area.
11) At approximately 4575' elevation, immediately east of the summit area, leave the road and traverse through evergreen forest to the true summit.

Red Tape

There is at least one gated road along the approach to Big Muffin. No public motorized vehicles are allowed beyond any official gates, whether open or not. Non-motorized access is allowed.

Big Muffin is best recommended to visit during weekends, while logging and Forestry activities are at a minimum.

Camping

There are no established campgrounds on Big Muffin.

The nearest official campground is Crystal Springs Campground, located near Interstate-90 and Keechelus Lake.