Annette Lake to Silver Peak- Two Parts

I have been to Silver Peak many times. It is one of my favorite spots in the Cascades. This time of year it is easier and faster to climb it from the Annette Lake side, instead of the Hyak area.

If conditions are not ideally suited for the climb part, part two will be canceled.

This climb/hike starts from the Annette lake trail off of exit 47. Take I-90 to exit 47, turn right off of the freeway. You will quickly come to an intersection were you will want to turn left onto the gravel road. This is the same road that goes to Asahel Curtis, it will also take you to the trail head. About ¼ mile past the intersection, the trail head for Annette lake will be on the right, it is a big paved parking lot, easy to find.

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Aerial View- Annette Lake Below and Left of Silver Peak

I will break the hike into two separate sections; the Annette Lake trail to Annette Lake as the approach (easy hike- part one) and then the remaining climb up the west slope of Silver Peak (Climb- part two).

Anyone can join for part one to Annette Lake. All you need is microspikes and a desire to hike 3.5 miles and gain about 1700 feet to the beautiful lake. Part two is only for experiences and strong climbers. It is very steep, requires technical skills with snow and ice travel, advanced skill using CRAMPON and ICE AX, and navigation. It is a punishing route with significant level of danger and exposure.

Only select group of very experienced outdoors enthusiasts will be allowed on this part (part two).

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Hikers on West Slope of Silver Peak High Above Annette Lake

From the parking lot, there are two trails starting from the same area, the Asahel Curtis nature trail and the Annette lake trail. Annette Lake trail is on the right, heading up the hill. If you quickly come to a stream crossing, you have taken the wrong trail. It heads up the Humpback Creek valley and in about 3.5 miles and 1700’ of elevation gain later ends at Annette Lake. This is an easy hike, but also a very popular one, so expect lots of people on a nice day. (Part one- approach)

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GPS of Route From North Side of Annette Lake

The climb (part two) starts from the north end of the lake. When the trail comes into the lake, head left (east) uphill. There is a faint boot path (if not snow covered) that starts about 50 yards short of the lake. The climbers trail heads up through open woods for about half a mile, and then comes to a small talus field (snow covered). Go straight up the talus, following cairns. At the top of the talus, turn left into a short section of bushes and slide alder. You will quickly come to another larger talus slope (snow covered) that leads all the way to the summit ridge. Go straight up the slope, following cairns and boot path, if not snow covered, to the top of the ridge. From here head south just below the ridge, and head all the way to the summit.

I will be very selective with the team for part two.

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Silver Peak From The South

During winter, if there is adequate snow cover, it would be possible to just kick steps all the way to the summit ridge with no cliffs or other technical difficulties. Be sure to check the avalanche conditions as most of this route is on open slope, perfect for avalanches.

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North Face of Silver Peak

Silver Peak is notable for being one of the 144 peaks in Washington with at least 2000' of prominence. With 2125' of prominence, Silver Peak is the 119th-most prominent peak in the state. Of peaks with at least 2000' of prominence, Silver Peak is the only one in the immediate Snoqualmie Pass area (with Amabilis Mountain, located approximately 11 miles away to the east, being the next-closest such peak).

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Perspective of West Slope (Our Route)

The summit of Silver Peak offers spectacular 360-degree views. Nearby mountains, such as Humpback Mountain, Abiel Peak, Tinkham Peak, and Mount Catherine are seen. A little further away, peaks such as Bandera Mountain, Mount Kent, and McClellan Butte are seen. The summit also offers one of the better views of Mount Rainier, Stuart, Kaleetan, and many more. It has the best views of any summit from the I90 corridor- My opinion!

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View NNE From Silver Peak

What to Bring:

Crampons, ice ax, helmet, mountaineering boots, 10 Essentials, personal first aid kit, 2+ liters water, gaitors, gloves, food, strong desire and a great attitude to work as a team.

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Annette Lake From Silver Peak- During Summer Months

NW forest pass is required at the parking lot.

If meeting at trail head, please let me know. Others meeting at the Park and Ride, please meet us under the overpass in the EAST LOT