Annette Lake is accessed from the last exit west of Snoqualmie Pass south of I-90. This hike is pretty short, simple and thus heavily used for both day hikes and easy backpacking. The trail was very well maintained and dry for the most part. We passed some beautiful rolling waterfalls near the beginning and a few talus fields just before the lake. There are lots of logs to sit on in the sun to eat lunch.
Currently, the lake is completely iced-over, but thinning at the edges. We noticed a few dogs playing on the ice near the south end which is still shaded this time of year. Making our way over after they left, we were confident that it was thick enough to support our manly frames, so we (Monte first) headed out. You get a whole new perspective on lakes when you are walking on top of them.
Silver Peak lies just east of the lake and doesn't look like much from this angle. This is one of the reasons I put off making that climb for so long. The mountain takes on a completely different persona as you are hiking it and I was pleasantly surprised once I reached the summit.