Overview
Located 4.5 miles SW of Snoqualmie Pass, Silver Peak sits near the edge of the Cedar River Watershed. It can be seen from the freeway on both sides of the pass and like its name suggests, has a silverish color to it as seen from a far.
It has long been a popular year-round climb. There is a road closure during the winter months so June through October is the best time to go. The normal route via the south spur is nothing more than a walk-up however the north side of the mountain offers slopes up to 70 degrees and is regarded as good winter route.
Getting There
From Seattle, take I-90 East to exit 54. Turn right at the stop. You immediately come to another stop, proceed straight onto Hyak Drive E. Continue past the ski area and then past the treatment plant to the gravel road. Road 9070 starts at this point. Follow it for 4.5 miles to the PCT trailhead in Olallie Meadows (elevation 3,800 ft). See the South Spur route for details from this starting point.
From Seattle, take I-90 East to exit 47. Turn right at the stop and left onto the gravel road. The Annette Lake Trailhead will be on the right after almost .5 mile. Follow the trail 3.5 miles to Annette Lake, then take a left up the mountain. There is no clear trail here, just stay North of the summit as you climb about 1 mile to the ridge. Follow the ridge to the peak. It is very steep, and avalanche danger must be assessed as you go.
Red Tape
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the PCT trailhead. Very limited parking along the roadside and toliets are not available.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the Annette Lake trailhead. Big parking lot and toliets are available.
When To Climb
June through October. Road #9070 closes during the off-climbing season so the Annette Lake trail offers the best access during the winter months.
Camping
The PCT offers campsites, however Silver Peak is a day climb.
Campsites are available around Annette Lake on the southwest side of the mountain as well.
Mountain Conditions
Links:
Washington Trails Association
VTrail
Local Weather Conditions
Maps
USGS Lost Lake
Silver Peak Area
External LinksImages
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