Silver, Tinkham & Abiel Peaks

getting there

Windy Pass (3,800 ft)

Take Exit 54 off of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass. Drive Forest Road 9070, Cold Creek Road, to the Windy Pass trailhead. Note as of 2020, a high clearance vehicle is required to reach Windy Pass Pacific Crest Trail Trailhead because of washouts and extensive potholes in the road.

Annette Lake Trailhead (1,900 ft)

Take Exit 47 off of I-90 and follow the signs to the Annette Lake trailhead. Park at the access road junction if snow is present which adds 0.5 mile to the approach.

approach & ascent

silver peak (5,605 ft)

From Annette Lake Trail Option 1: From 1/8 mile north of Annette Lake, head up the slope east (left) and follow trees, avoiding avalanche-prone areas, to the north ridge. Follow the north ridge, keeping to west (right) side because of cornices and cliffs. If snow free, look for faint boot trail just below the crest of the ridge, it will help you traverse the steep loose rock near the summit. 6 miles, 2,100 feet of elevation gain.

From Annette Lake Trail, Option 2: From 3,200 ft on the Annette Lake Trail, head uphill to ~4,800 ft where you leave the forest and reach the shoulder of the north ridge. Proceed up the north ridge to join the route in Option 1, staying on the west (right) side when the ridge runs into cliffs. This route allows you to reach the ridge at a lower point and enjoy the views to the east much sooner.

From Annette Lake Trail, Option 3: From 3,200 ft on the Annette Lake Trail, head uphill to between 4,800 and 5,200 ft where you leave the forest and reach the shoulder of the north ridge. Travel south in small valley, as you approach the basin below summit of Silver Peak, choose a cornice free spot on the north ridge and ascend to it. Join the route in Option 1 which traverses the west side of the north ridge. This route affords you great views of north face and northeast ridge of Silver Peak, and is a good option when the snow is stable, not too deep and not icy. There are cliffs along the northwest ridge, stay on the west side to avoid them.

From Windy Pass, Option 1: Follow the Pacific Crest Trail south for approximately 1.5 miles then turn west and ascend to the saddle between Tinkham and Silver peaks. Follow boot path north as close to ridgeline as possible to the summit. 8 miles and 1,850 feet of elevation gain. This is a good option for a descent and to make a loop trip if you ascend Windy Pass Option 2 (below).

From Windy Pass, Option 2: From Windy Pass follow the logging road up to the top of the clearcut on the north side of Silver Peak. Climb over the talus to get into the west (right) side of the north basin. Follow the snow field up and climb a short but steep pitch to the headwall. Climb to the right up a steep snow field to get on the ridge to the right of the peak. Follow the ridge to the summit. At one point you will have to drop down to the right to pass rock obstacles along the ridge. Some rock climbing may be required depending on the chosen route. It's best to avoid this route after June because to lack of snow cover on the extensive talus slopes in the basin. Consider descending Windy Pass Option 1 (above) to make this a loop trip.

tinkham peak (5,402 ft)

7.3 miles round trip, 1,900 feet of elevation gain

Follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) south for ~1.5 miles then turn right (west) and ascend to the saddle between Tinkham and Silver peaks. From the saddle between Tinkham and Silver Peaks, head southeast and follow a boot path to ascend through trees along the northwest ridge of Tinkham Peak. As the route gets steep, keep to the right rather than the left side which cliffs out. Then ascend steep rock on south side of summit block.

tinkham peak (5,402 ft) & East Tinkham Peak (5,395 ft) Loop

7.3 miles round trip, 1,900 feet of elevation gain

Follow the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) south for ~1.5 miles then turn right (west) and ascend to the saddle between Tinkham and Silver peaks. From the saddle between Tinkham and Silver Peaks, head southeast and follow a boot path to ascend through trees along the northwest ridge of Tinkham Peak. As the route gets steep, keep to the right rather than the left side which cliffs out. Then ascend steep rock on south side of summit block. Traverse on easy scramble terrain, with intermittent boot path to East Tinkham Peak. Follow the boot path down Southeast Ridge of East Tinkham Peak, continuing as it drops off to the left at 4,400 ft to reach Mirror Lake. Hike the PCT north to the starting point. Note that this route could also be done clockwise, but that would require downclimbing the more difficult scramble moves to Tinkham Peak.

abiel peak (5,365 ft)

Follow the Pacific Crest Trail south for approximately 1.5 miles then turn west and ascend to the saddle between Tinkham and Silver peaks. Head west from the saddle between Tinkham and Silver Peaks on a boot path that leads to the base of east-west ridge of Abiel Peak. Ascend the ridge on loose rock to tree covered summit. 6 miles and 3,200 feet of elevation gain.

Silver Lining (5,180 ft)

Silver Lining is the nickname for a scenic spot (47.36481, -121.46270) that several scramble leaders use as a safe destination in winter when avalanche danger prevents going farther. It is also a good place to teach ice-ax self-arrest skills in late spring and early summer.

Notes

• The west facing slopes near the summit  of Silver Peak can be extremely icy with possibilities for long uncontrolled slides.  Much of this terrain can be safely avoided by staying close to the ridge and bashing through the trees.
• In descending, yield right to avoid hidden waterfalls and cliffs above Annette Lake.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous 3, Strenuous 4, Technical 3, Technical 4, Winter Scramble
• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
• High Point: 5,605 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12