Hike to Silver Peak

After not being able to get out of the city during the month of October, I was itching to get back into the mountains this November. Since it was a Friday, we opted for a short but strenuous hike close to Seattle. Silver Peak is 5.6 miles, with an elevation gain of 2100ft. The dirt and gravel access road, FR-9070, is bumpy and may require a high clearance vehicle, or at least extreme precaution in lower clearance vehicles. The trailhead for Silver Peak begins as the Pacific Crest Trail (2000) south trailhead. The first 1.7 miles are fairly flat, crossing multiple waterfalls and streams under the cover of trees. At 1.7 miles, you will reach a UNMARKED intersection, where the trail to Silver Peak veers off to the right at 180 degrees. With only a rock carin to mark the trail, it is easily passed. If you reach a small lake, you have gone to far. At this point, the trail steepens, and becomes muddy. This will require minor scrambling and handholds. Finally, you will reach the ridgeline, and the trail intersects once again. GO RIGHT. The left trail will take you to Tinkham Peak. From here, you drop elevation follow a stream through small alpine meadows before reaching the incline. The trail turns to rock. The incline steepens again, as Silver Peak looms above. This section will require class 2 scrambling. Once you reach the top, your hard work is rewarded with 360 degree views of Snoqualmie.