Silver Peak via Annette Lake trail

Organizer: Patti

Update on Wed. 6/20: per a trip report today, the trail up the ridge from Annette to Silver is snow-free. Yeah!! See: https://www.nwhikers.n... (https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7960370)

This is a strenuous hike that will involve boulder and talus scrambling the last very steep mile up the ridge (if it's snow free). While there is very little exposure, it is a tough, narrow semi-trail. If there is still a lot of snow on the ridge (as is likely) we'll assess conditions to determine whether the snow is stable enough to proceed to the summit or whether to drop back down to the lake.

Stats:
Roundtrip distance: 9 miles
Elevation gain: 3400 feet
trailhead elevation: 2200 feet
High Point: 5605

Silver Peak, so named because it has a silvery sheen when seen from a distance, is located 4.5 miles southwest of Snoqualmie Pass and is visible from I-90. For years, until the clearcuts began, it was one of the most popular hikes in the area. Luckily some beauty remains, esp. via the Annette Lake route. The more common route up is along the south spur via Cold Creek, a trail that gains a mere 1300 feet over 3 miles. Our route (the standard route described below) will have us heading first to Annette, gaining 1400 feet in the first 2 1/2 miles, then taking a left just before the drop to the lake to gain 2000 feet in the last 2 miles.

The terrain is largely subalpine, but open meadow slopes transition to exposed rock near the apex. Silver is a favorite winter jaunt when skis or snowshoes are the means of travel. The peak also provides a popular spring trip, when the high snow-locked crags are not yet accessible to scramblers chafing at the bit to get the season rolling.

Trailhead Directions: Drive 1-90 east to Snoqualmie Pass Exit 47, signed "Denny Creek/Asahel Curtis Picnic Area." Turn right at 0.1 mile, then left on FS Road 55 and go 0.4 mile to the parking lot at Annette Lake Trail 1019. (50 miles, 1 hour from Seattle).

Standard Route: From the Annette Lake trailhead at 1900 feet, hike Trail 1019 for 0.7 mile to where the route crosses the Iron Horse Trail, the abandoned Milwaukee Railroad Grade. Just before reaching Annette Lake, ringed by talus from Abiel Peak above, head eastward (left) up the slope and follow the trees, avoiding potential avalanche areas. Gain the ridge and follow it south. Stay on the western (right) side of the north ridge to avoid cornices and cliffs. Look for a faint boot trail just below the crest of the ridge that facilitates the traverse of steep loose rock near the summit.

When you are descending, it may appear to be an easy, straight shot from the summit or from the saddle between Silver and Abiel down to Lake Annette. But do not be deceived: moderate brush and dangerous cliffs just above the lake await you. If attempting this descent route, stay to the north to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Alternate Routes: Follow Annette Lake Trail 1019 to 3200 feet. Just past the last major switchback, go uphill to about 4800 feet, leave the forest and reach the shoulder of the north ridge. Proceed up the north ridge to join the standard route, staying on the western side when the ridge runs into cliffs. This route attains the ridge at a lower point to maximize the time to view Rainier. Silver can also be approached from the Silver-Tinkham saddle on its south spur from the Pacific Crest Trail via Olallie Meadow.

We will likely have a carpool leaving the 65th St. P&R at 7:45 for people from Seattle.

Map: USGS Snoqualmie Pass, Lost Lake
Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass 207