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Annette Lake
Snoqualmie RegionBest Jun–Oct
A steady climb through old-growth forest to a cold alpine lake ringed by jagged peaks.
About This Trail
The trail starts from a busy parking area off I-90 Exit 47 and wastes no time gaining elevation through a dense corridor of Douglas fir, hemlock, and cedar. Humpback Creek crosses the path early on, and in early summer a waterfall tumbles alongside the switchbacks. The forest stays thick for most of the route, keeping things cool even on warm days.
At 3,600 feet the trees open and Annette Lake appears, a deep cirque lake backed by the rocky walls of Abiel Peak and Silver Peak. Granite Mountain rises to the north. Campsites dot the shoreline for overnighters. Glacier lilies push through talus slopes once the snow melts in June and July.
The grade is consistent but relentless. This is not a beginner-friendly distance, and the final push to the lake involves rocky terrain that can be slippery when wet. In winter the parking lot converts to a Sno-Park, and snow lingers on the upper trail well into June. Traction devices are essential in spring.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Lots more snow on the trail, microspikes and poles recommended.”
Last report: Apr 18, 2026
Scorecard
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Trees Down
Persistent Hazards
- Slippery rocks near lake in wet conditions
- Snow on upper trail into June
- Crowded parking in summer
Getting There
Northwest Forest Pass required. The lot sits 0.3 miles off I-90 Exit 47 on Forest Road 5590. Toilets on the north side. Extremely popular on summer weekends; arrive before 8am or expect overflow parking along the road. December through March the lot converts to a Sno-Park requiring a separate permit. The access road develops potholes, so drive carefully. Dogs allowed on leash.
The trail climbs steadily through forest with well-built switchbacks. One creek crossing at Humpback Creek is straightforward in summer but can run high in spring snowmelt. No route-finding needed; the path is obvious and well-maintained. The final stretch to the lake traverses rockier ground with some root steps.
Start early on summer weekends to secure parking. The trail faces mostly north and stays cool, so midday starts work fine temperature-wise. Allow 4 to 5 hours for the round trip at a moderate pace.
Recent Reports
Lots more snow on the trail, microspikes and poles recommended. Some of the chutes had rollerballs so crossing early in the morning when everything is still cold is best.
Completed with my BoeAlps crew, took a detour post switch backs to get up to Silver Peak. Annette Trail is slightly muddy, with no snow.
A friend and I used part of the Annette Lake trail to approach backcountry skiing on Silver Peak. There are several large trees down across the trail in the stretch before the switchbacks, which were interesting to navigate with skis on our packs!
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