Route: Mirror Lake > Tinkham Tarns > Silver Peak > Tinkham West > Tinkham East
Stats: 8.9 miles and 3500 feet of elevation gain
After almost 8 weeks of being sidelined from some really bad luck crossing a talus slope I felt healed enough to make sure my legs still work. Started around 10am on a Monday with a surprising amount of cars at the Mirror Lake trailhead. By the time I got back they were almost all gone except for those spending the night at the lake. If you're worried about the road conditions on FS 9070 then starting from Mirror Lake is a solid alternative. The road is in great shape with only one washed out section near the very end, but there was a Tesla at the trailhead so any car should be able to make it.
Right away I encountered a number of groups with small children coming down from some weekend backpacking fun. The trail to Mirror Lake is easy and straightforward, then things get even nicer turning right onto the PCT. I decided to take a detour through the Tinkham Tarns of which the turn is really easy to miss. This detour felt worth it as the tarns with full sun exposure were really beautiful. Later in the day, looking down onto them in the shade they looked much less impressive.
Back on the PCT in the short distance between the tarns and Silver Peak turn-off I came across a very large black bear. Fortunately we were equally surprised to see each other and he ran off away from the trail. The trail for Silver is well marked by a massive cairn. I was surprised and impressed that the trail for Silver was an actual trail and a relatively moderate grade. There is no exposure to speak of except for one section right as you're breaking out of the trees, but it is easy to keep a safe distance. There is one rock field as you begin the final ascent but the trail visibly switchbacks through it. The entire thing is a walk-up and would be a great introduction to the area. At the summit there are some excellent 360 degree views. During the ascent I was watching two smoke columns grow substantially, with the closest being the Three Queens fire just across I90.
Heading back down towards Tinkham West, instead of turning left towards the PCT I continued straight. The trail is fainter here and quickly turns steep through a denser forest. This trail is much more what I'd expect from a Snoqualmie area scramble. The best way to know you're on track is trail essentially follows the watershed no trespassing signs. Near the top there are a couple sections where using your hands are required. There are multiple options for going up and I favored staying near the trees which looked like the most popular route. There is a summit register that is almost full and nothing to write with. The crinkled, weathered paper has seen better days. More 360 degree views before starting the ridge walk over to Tinkham East. The ridge walk was short and easy with no exposure. From the top of Tinkham East I was looking directly down onto the tarns from earlier in the day. The trail back to Mirror Lake continues along the ridge for a short bit before descending.
Heading down this side seemed easier than it would have been going down the route I came up. The trail is also much more visible and established on this side. At Mirror Lake there were no bugs and it was turning into a nice evening with a handful of groups camping around the lake. It's a quick mile and change back to the car from here.
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