The parking area for trail #1019 (Annette Lake trail) is snow-free with the trail easy to follow to about 3200', then the trail is totally covered as the elevation climbs. We saw red flagging that must have led to the lake, as we continued toward the open slope above Annette. We headed toward the peak at about 3700'. Some hard snow was encountered in the forest and soft snow on the open slopes. However no taction devices or snowshoes were needed. Tall gators, and poles advised, for the soft snow-sinking depth of about 12 inches. This very warm, sunny day requied sun protection while traversing cautiously up along the tree line of the long open snow slope. We headed up toward the ridge and SE to the top. We saw no avalanching but this route is quite steep so we kept a safe traveling distance apart and an eye out for dislodged rocks or sliding snow. The ridge approach from the north is not an easy route so we went down around a rocky snow-free slope to gain the easier south ridge to the summit. The rocky top was snow-free and the views spectacular.
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Today was one of those days when all the elements come together. You can't plan it, you simply have to count yourself lucky to be there when it happens. Sun, snow, and fall foliage combined for one day, for a few hours, and it was amazing. Not much more to say; it won't be there tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, there are signs at the Windy Pass PCT crossing noting that the trail will be closed at times tomorrow (10/18) for blasting work, so fyi.

The PCT has had some work since this summer and the avalanche debris field that has been there for a couple years is cleared and the big mud bog that was right before it has a nice elevated stone path. Really nice work and thanks to whoever did it! I presume the blasting is to try and prevent the avalanche damage from happening again. No major trail issues other than lots of water around.

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Hiked the loop as described as the Tinkham Silver Peak loop. Ignore the confusing driving directions in the guide. Instead, at the end of the off ramp at exit 54, turn right and continue to follow the main road for 3.5 miles to the hairpin turn and park. Just stay on the main road you to the right spot.
The first part of the 2.6 miles - has a number of blowdowns and interesting crossings. It is passable. After reaching the PCT the path is very good. Watch the road crossing on the descent. Turn right at the road and watch for the trail continuation on the right in about 1/4 mile. Overall a great hike. Small patches of snow remain after reaching the PCT. Not a lot of views, but the ones that you find are good. Most of the route is in forest which was a great place to be on a hot summer day.

This hike is described as a two mile hike, but that is only from the PCT/Silver Peak junction. We started from Hyak on FS9070, took the Cold Creek Trail for about 2-3 miles on an intense uphill hike to meet up with the PCT. From there it's a fairly easy mile or so to the Silver Peak Trailhead, then another intense 1 mile to the peak. We started out at about 3:30 in the afternoon and ended up camping about 200ft from the top of Silver Peak for the night. Woke up to the sight of Rainier ouside of my tent. All told was about 8 MILES in and out.