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July
5, 2000
For
the first two miles follow PCT #2000 South. The trail goes through
a clearcut, then enters the forest and gradually climbing crosses
several creeks. At times it enters open slopes. Starting from here
the trail was covered with snow and hard to find in some places.
Pay attention not to lose the trail where is descends in short switchbacks
following and crossing a small creek several times. At the end of
switchbacks the trail continues on to the south and soon reaches
a big rock slide covered with snow. Cross the rock slide toward
the tree with a metal sign indicating the trail. Behind the tree
turn right to Silver Peak Trail. One can see the trail at times,
but solid snow starts soon. To follow the trail look for old rangers
marks on the trees. For a short distance the trail climbs along
the creek, then crosses it and continues on south-east towards Abiel
Peak. This is your last chance for water, so make sure you have
enough before crossing the creek. In about 0.7 mile from PCT, the
trail reaches the saddle between Tinkham and Silver Peaks and turns
right (north) to Silver Peak. From here one can see Silver Peak's
south slope and zigzags of the trail on it. In about 0.3 mile snow
ends and the trail continues in steep switchbacks on a rocky slope
for about 0.5 mile to the peak. The last 200 feet are very steep.
You can pretty much see "everything" from here: Mt. Rainier  ,
Mt. Stuart, Granite Mountain
(you can even find a lookout there), Mt.
Catherine, and Annette Lake
right under the peak.
There is also an unmaintained trail along the ridge on the north
side that we have used at the spring time for cross-country skiing
from Road 9070 to the snow edge and then hiking the razor ridge
to Silver Peak. This is a very difficult cross-country route.
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