Let's Hike Silver Peak From Annette Lake- Advanced Skills

I try to climb Silver Peak multiple times a year. It is one of my favorite spots in the Cascades off I-90. This time of year it is more direct and faster to climb it from the Annette Lake-side, instead of the Hyak area.

Weather forecast for the area this weekend is expected to be partly cloudy with temperature in the upper 20s and wind around 10 MPH.

Answer the questions and join the waitlist to be added to the confirmed team. Please join only if you are serious about attending, have all the gear, and can hike at a moderate to fast pace, and you have the skills required for this hike.

This outing is a great opportunity for those who would like to take their skills to the next level. Especially members looking to climb bigger and more challenging mountains.

If conditions are not ideally suited for this climb, I will pick an alternate site and we can decide as a group.

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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 where 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 trailhead. About ¼ mile past the intersection, the trailhead for Annette lake will be on the right, it is a big paved parking lot, easy to find.

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The Annette Lake trail to Annette Lake is an easy hike that will likely require snowshoes. From the NE corner of the lake, we will take a not so obvious route up the west facing snowfield of Silver Peak. This part of the outing is a very steep, demanding, and challenging climb that requires strength, stamina, excellent conditioning, and strong snow travel skills- ice ax, microspikes/crampons, etc.

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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.

Link to SOA Outing From 2014 (https://www.meetup.com/adventurers-100/events/175884562/)

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The climbing part 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 climber's 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.

During winter with 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 an open slope, perfect for avalanches.

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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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The 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 much more. It has the best views of any summit from the I90 corridor- My opinion!

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What to Bring:
Microspikes/Crampons, ice ax, helmet, waterproof hiking boots, snowshoes, your version of 10-essentials, wind and snow/rain protection, food and water for the day, gaiters, gloves, Bright smile, and a great attitude.

NW forest pass is required at the parking lot.

Directions to trailhead:
From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek). Turn right from the off-ramp and continue 0.25 mile, then turn left on Forest Road 5590. You'll find the parking area to your right in 0.3 miles. Toilets are located on the north side of the parking area.

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