Silver Lakes Trail is a lesser known hike with two access points. One is from the east, attaching to the Mount Townsend Trail, and the other arrives from the north, which is the route I chose early this morning to try. I woke up early and discovered that the road in is the toughest part of this hike.
Originally, I thought it couldn’t be that far of a drive… but then after missing a turn (or two) on forest service roads that are not labeled, and having some moments of frustration, I finally found the trailhead. There isn’t really any signage, so bring your GPS!! There’s no parking lot, and the road is pothole city, so don’t bring your sports car. If you drive at a moderate speed, it will take you an hour after you leave Hwy 101 to get to the trailhead so be aware.
After a few cleansing breaths, the hike was just wonderful! It is a steep 3 mile climb to the lake over a fairly primitive trail. The forest is peaceful and follows Silver Creek right up to where it flows out of the southern lake. The water is nested in a horseshoe shaped bowl with towering peaks all around. This time of year is dry and all the snow has melted that would have otherwise been visible a month ago. I didn’t jump in but the folks I met on the trail said it was cold and refreshing! It is also known for trout, so if you enjoy fishing, this might be a good spot. Temperatures were lower then usual, as there was a rain storm with lighting and thunder the night before, making it tough for the overnight backpackers. I wore my fleece the whole time, even though the sun was out. The trail was challenging in that it was steep and slick. It’s one of those trails with more roots and rock than anything else to walk on, so you can’t look around much, or you will slip and fall. Hiking poles saved me from at least 5 possible bad falls for this 50 something body.
After the trail connects with the eastbound, Mount Townsend trail, things get much easier as the trail is much better maintained from this direction on, and wider.
When you reach the trail, you are greeted by a spectacular blue lake with amazing vertical mountains surrounding. I was surprised at the beauty!
The campsites looked great, so I certainly would like to return and stay a few nights! The south side of the lake sits below a meadow, and a primitive trail extends from a campsite up the east side to a saddle above the lake. I was told this was a must for views, so made my way up.
These two shots are from opposite sides of the saddle: on the left you can see all the way out to Puget Sound, and on the right back at the lake. It was so peaceful and beautiful. The wind whips through here so I was very glad to have my fleece!
I had some snacks and hydrated, then headed down. The walk in the woods on the way down required constant vigilance to not slip, but the forest was beautiful, with occasional views and the flow of Silver Creek off to your left for most of the way down. Wild flowers were just about done, but some nice ones remained.
I always love how flowers just show up when a forest is left alone…
On the left is a fallen tree log, and covering it is a flowering plant, with small blooms radiating in the sunlight. I saw a lot of rhododendrons as well at the beginning of the hike, which were certainly blooming nearlier this summer.
This is an awesome hike that is readily accesible if you can deal with the drive in! I loved it, and plan to return in the future for an overnight trip.
It is also a great workout! I only had a day pack, and with some speed, had some serious cardio going on, especially on the way up to the saddle above the lake.
Summer is winding down, so get out in nature and you will not regret it…
Myhealthadventure 
Leave a comment