Alpine Lakes Wilderness #12 - Pete Lake

By 8:00 a.m., the parking lot was already full.

It seemed everyone in Washington had the same idea for Memorial Day weekend. Every campsite around Lake Cle Elum appeared occupied. Vans, trailers, tents, and pickup trucks lined the roads near the rivers feeding the lake. Beyond them, a steady stream of backpackers headed up the trail toward Pete Lake and the wilderness beyond.

For me, it was a trail-running day.

The trail to Pete Lake is nearly ideal for running. Unlike many Alpine Lakes Wilderness hikes that immediately begin climbing toward the clouds, this route follows a gentle grade through forest alongside the Cooper River. The elevation gain is modest, allowing you to settle into a rhythm instead of constantly watching your heart rate spike.

At least that was the plan, but the forest had other ideas. Winter storms had left countless blowdowns scattered across the trail. Some could be stepped over. Others required climbing, ducking, or carefully weaving around tangled branches. Every obstacle interrupted the flow of the run.

Oddly enough, I didn't mind.

Each log became an excuse to catch my breath, take a sip of water, and look around. Trail running often becomes an exercise in moving from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. The blowdowns forced me to slow down just enough to appreciate where I was. During these pauses I could enjoy the chorus of bird songs.

After eight miles, Pete Lake finally appeared through the trees.

The lake sat quietly beneath the surrounding mountains, its shoreline dotted with campsites and hopeful backpackers beginning their holiday weekend adventures. Looking around, I couldn't help but think this might be one of the best beginner backpacking destinations in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail is approachable, the scenery rewarding, and the distance just enough to feel like you've gone somewhere without being overwhelming.

I didn't stay long.

Life has a way of placing boundaries around our adventures. Responsibilities back home meant this was a day trip, not a lazy afternoon by the lake. After a quick break, I turned around and headed back toward the trailhead.

On the return trip, I passed group after group of backpackers making their way toward the lake.

"Any campsites left?" they would ask.

I had no idea.

I hadn't spent enough time wandering the shoreline to know. Hopefully everyone found a place to pitch a tent and enjoy the long weekend.

One thing I know for certain is that I'll be back.

Pete Lake deserves a slower visit. Maybe an overnight trip. Maybe a chance to sit beside the water with nowhere else to be.

If You Go

Trail: Pete Lake Trail

Distance: Approximately 8 to 16 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: About 500 feet

Location: Near Lake Cle Elum in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Best For: Trail running, beginner backpacking, family hiking, fishing, and overnight camping

Things to Know:

• Arrive early on holiday weekends. The trailhead fills quickly.

• Expect blowdowns in spring and early summer until trail crews have cleared the route.

• The gentle grade makes this one of the more approachable wilderness hikes in the area.

• Bring bug spray later in the season.

• Pete Lake can serve as a destination itself or as a gateway to longer trips deeper into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Most of all, don't be in a hurry. Pete Lake isn't a place that demands speed. Even if you're trail running, it has a way of convincing you to slow down and stay awhile.