Date: 7/11/2020 - 7/12/2020
Miles: 20.4
Elevation Gain: 2900ft
I have wanted to get back to this gem of a destination since camping on the ridge-line just south of the lake. Being such a short trail, I thought it would make a nice relaxing weekend before hitting some longer hikes in the coming weeks.
A late start had me leaving my apartment at around 5:40am with a 2 hour drive to the Pete Lake Trailhead. There was no traffic on the way out of Seattle so early on a Saturday. I preemptively treated myself to some McDonald’s on the way which made me feel a bit naughty. The road was fine and didn’t give my Toyota Camry any issues.
What looked to be an issue was the number of cars at the trailhead. I got lucky and was able to grab a spot close to the trail. I was pretty happy that I didn’t take the first spot after I started seeing cars because that would have been quite the walk. Yeah, I’ll complain about any steps that are not on a trail.
The first 6 or so miles of the trail are under tree cover with the only views being a bend in the river and Pete Lake. I didn’t feel lonely because all of my mosquito friends came out to greet me. Pete lake looked like a tent city which is to be expected with how short and gentle the trail to it is. I swear I’ve seen car camping spots that are harder to get to. The lake does provide a great value for effort because it is nice to look at and if you keep going along the trail there are more spots to camp at.
While hiking, I didn’t actually see that many people on trail. I did ask one couple on their way back what the situation at Spectacle Lake was like. They told me that it was busy when they hiked in early on Friday and people funneled in into the evening.
Past Pete Lake is the only real stream crossing on the hike. As I will do anything to avoid wet feet, I looked for a log. Not far north from the crossing a small social trail goes straight to a perfect down tree that I used to cross. A little bushwhacking brought me back to the trail.
Washington is very green,
As the forest transitions to an old burn area, the trail joins the PCT and begins its climb to Spectacle Lake. There is no shade in this area and the elbow high ferns make the walk hot and humid. This is also when you get your first real views of the peaks around the area. There is a gentle grade that take you up about a1000 ft and blow downs added some variety.
There are streams along most of the trail so water isn’t a concern. I only drank a liter on the entire trail.
Outside of the lake, the waterfall where the trail crosses Delate Creek is spectacular. I would say that it has good flow and is a good place to cool off. By this point the trail is back under tree cover and stays under it for the remainder. There was a lot of water on the trail so I had to be a bit careful with my steps.
The turn off from the PCT has its own sign and the trail decends to the lake. There is a huge rock outcrop with the best view of the lake unless you are willing to continue south on the PCT until you get on the overlooking ridgeline.
Clouds moved in around 1 pm and the wind picked up which helped keep the mosquitoes at bay. There were already a lot of tents set up but being a single I had a lot of options and settled on a spot under a tree that blocked a lot of wind and would help with condensation. If I was with a group, I would get there on Friday or try to be there before noon on Saturday if I want to get a good spot.
The lake is gorgeous but a bit too cold to actually get into. The view looking up at Lemah mountain is one I look forward to getting back to.
