[TR] Silver Peak - West Slope via Annette Lake 11/27/2012

[ajpederson]

Trip: Silver Peak - West Slope via Annette Lake

 

Date: 11/27/2012

 

Trip Report:

Took the day off Tuesday to get out on what was supposed to be the last sunny day before a long stretch of rain. Both Alicia and I had tried Silver Peak on different occasions and been turned around by conditions, so we figured that would be a good peak to try for.

 

The trail to Annette lake was clear for about half way to the lake, then was an icy boot pack.

Annette Lake (Alicia's Pic)

 

Once to the lake we headed up into the woods and then the open slopes up Silver Peak. The snow was very icy, so we put on crampons before heading up the open slopes. There was enough snow to keep us on top of the rocks, so that was nice.

Heading up the open slopes (Alicia's Pic)

 

The traverse under the ridge was also pretty icy, so we pulled out ice axes for it.

Start of the traverse (Alicia's Pic)

 

Once across the traverse it was one more slope to the ridge. It was very windy on top, so we took a couple pictures quick and headed down.

Alicia approaching the summit

 

Summit views

 

Rainier

 

The descent and hike out were uneventful and made easier by the fact that the snow started to soften a bit from the sun. A stop for food at the brew pub in Issaquah ended a great day in the mountains and away from work.

 

Gear Notes:

AL crampons and axe were needed, but might be different now after all the new snow.

 

Approach Notes:

Annette Lake trail, then up.

[Loomis]

Great pictures. Looks like you had a beautiful day. Definitely better than working.

[ajpederson]

Yeah, the weather was great except for the wind on the summit. Definitely way better than working.