The Humptulip Tribe was based in the western part of Washington State, primarily along the Humptulips River, which flows through the dense, temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula. This area is within Grays Harbor County, a region known for its lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The environment around the Humptulips River is rich in natural resources, providing a traditional homeland for the tribe.
Hodge identified the name to mean “chilly region” without providing a source for that nomenclature. Modern interpretation state that it comes from the Quinault word Ho-to-la-bixh, meaning “hard to pole.” The Humptulips River, upon which they lived, was said to be difficult to pole.
Also identified as:
- Hamtolops.— Keane in Stanford, Compend., 574, 1878.
- Humptulip.— Ind. Aff. Rep., pt. 1, 702, 1901.
- Hump-tu-lups.— Ross in Ind. Aff. Rep., 18, 1870.
- Um-too-leaux.— Ford, ibid., 250, 1858.
Humptulip Connections
The Humptulips belonged to the coastal division of the Salishan linguistic stock, being connected most closely with the Chehalis.
Humptulip Location
On the Humptulips River, and part of Grays Harbor, including also Hoquiam Creek and Whiskam River.
Humptulip Villages
These are placed under the Humptulips only on account of their locations as described.
- Hli’mtimi (Curtis, 1907-9), near North Cove.
- Hoquiam, on Hoquiam Creek.
- Hooshkal (Gibbs), on the north shore of Grays Harbor.
- Kishkallen (Gibbs), on the north shore of Grays Harbor.
- Klimmim (Gibbs), 1877).
- Kplelch (Curtis), at the mouth of North River.
- Kwapks (Curtis, 1907-9), at the mouth of North River.
- Mo’niltimsh (Curtis), at Georgetown.
- Nooachhummik (Gibbs), on the coast north of Grays Harbor.
- Nookalthu (Gibbs), north of Grays Harbor.
- Nu’moihanhl (Curtis), at Tokeland.
- Whishkah, on Whishkah River.
Humptulip Population
See Chehalis. In 1888 according to Olsen 18 Humptulips were reported. In 1904 there were 21.
Tribal Notability
Humptulips River and a village in Grays Harbor County preserve the name of the Humptulips Indians.
1900 Members
The following were members in 1900 as enumerated by the Indian Census of that year.