Area: Bandera

Length: 4.0

Elevation: 1930 +1830 -100

Condition: good

Solitude: none

Appeal: moderately high

Features: lake, falls, popular peaks

Difficulty: moderate

Administered: USFS, North Bend R.D.

Trailhead: Annette Lake

Connects to: none

Guides: 100SC, DNSniq ALWsm

Maps: USGS Snoqualmie Pass,
Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass

 

map

Overview

Easy access and an attractive destination combine to make this 4-mile hike very popular, often crowded. The trail is wide and firm. The somewhat shallow lake is tucked into a quiet hollow below the gleaming boulders of Silver Peak and the dark cliffs of Abiel Peak.

This is probably one of three destinations people are likely to think of when considering "let's go up hiking at Snoqualmie Pass." While that in itself could be a sufficient argument for not covering it here, there are lots of possibilities for explorations beyond trails-end in the accessible peaks south of Snoqualmie Pass.

 

Annette Lake

Annette Lake

Details

This is a non-trivial hike, with 1700 feet elevation to be gained in the first three miles. However, the trail is smooth and the grade even, so not difficult.

From the highway-side trailhead, follow the signs away from the creek and onto the main trail. A few minor switchbacks take you up to a sturdy bridge across Humpback Creek. Just beyond this, reach the power line right-of-way; parallel this a short distance to the east, then cut under, and enter a few more switchbacks. These soon straighten out to an upward ramp through brush territory, gradually gaining elevation above the creek. At 1.6 miles, come to a sequence of switchbacks, gaining 500 feet elevation.

Now resume the generally southward and upward ramp, with only a couple of very minor switchbacks for variety, until at 3.0 miles you reach elevation 3650. From here to the lake, at 4.0 miles, the trail is nearly level. Arrive at the northwest corner of the lake. Things are typically very busy in the day-use area here.

Fish 'fly' in formation at outlet creek

Trout

If you are prepared for some wading, you can cross the gentle outlet creek at the north end of the lake, and circle along the shore down the west side of the lake. Higher up, closer to a small creek than to the lake, there are some camps.

From the north end of the lake, you can set a compass bearing and head up-slope to the east, passing through some thin trees and brush to reach boulders and more boulders. Work your way up the slopes on a relatively easy scramble to the top of Silver Peak.