Pete Lake — Saturday, Jun. 25, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

We camped at Cooper Lake on Friday (beautiful!) and dayhiked into Pete Lake on Saturday. Judging from the guide books and WTA trip reports and the guide, we hoped for an easy hike. As this was one of the worst winters on record, we encountered something else altogether, which is why there aren't that many pictures amongst nearly 150 that I shot! There is a TON of snow still on the ground and it's slippery, slow going. There are many places where you will sink quickly and painfully if you're not hyper-aware of where you're stepping. There's a ton of water and mud on the trail; in places, the water sources have overtaken the trail altogether. Needless to say, you'll find yourself navigating off-trail more than a few times for this hike, which includes a few huge blowdowns (one of which requires major skirting on the way up to Pete Lake. The hike is nevertheless a lovely one, with clear green water on the left for much of the beginning. It continues over varied (and normally fairly easygoing) terrain, with lots of stuff to look at (amazing wildflowers, distinct animal signs, and stunning viewpoints). There are two major river crossings, the first of which is over two large logs spanning the water. The other crossing requires standing on a lower log while leaning over to balance on the slightly higher one while you shuffle sideways. It can be nerve-wracking with the current water level. (You could hear the rushing water all the way down at our Cooper Lake campsite!) The privy at Pete Lake was in decent shape, with a broken hinge, but wow, is it exposed for all the world to see! There were three or so parties camping at the lake and we otherwise passed about six groups. It looked like there were some 'flip flop hikers' interspersed throughout (you know, the ones who don't bring the 10 essentials despite tons of snow and a torn-up trail), which was a little disconcerting. I was glad for a GPS unit (and more importantly map / compass). I loved Pete Lake and will definitely backpack up there later this year when the snow finally thaws (we saw a great deal of melting during our hike, so it shouldn't be much longer). Just a sidenote: on the way up on WA-903, we encountered about 10 deer. On the way back, more deer and a bear cub! Use caution and follow the speed limit because you're going to have at least one critter jump out in front of you.