"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
In spite of its funny names, the area around Salmon La Sac offers some serious trails for June and early July. The trail to Pete Lake is moderately serious, at 3.6 miles one way, but gentle in its elevation gain.
Photo: Pete Lake and the jagged peaks to the west.
The Pete Lake trail starts in the deep valley between Chikamin Ridge and Polallie Ridge. It follows the Cooper River upstream, climbing ever so gently for the first two miles. Hiking here two weeks ago, we encountered several large blow-downs over the trail.
At one mile, the trail crosses Tired Creek and intersects with a side trail, which leads up onto the ridge and joins the Polallie Ridge trail, after gaining some serious elevation. This way lie many, more serious trails to places like Waptus Lake (but that would be the hard way to get there). Another mile brings you to another crossing and another junction.
By three miles, you will have crossed a few more streams, entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, crested a small rise over an outcropping of bedrock, stepped in at least one road apple, and begun the gentle descent into the Pete Lake basin. The biggest stream crossings are in the last half mile before the lake. Over some stream beds, ancient fallen tree trunks form sturdy bridges, more flood-resistant than man’s best. Other streams require creative log-hopping in high water season. The trail arrives at the lake at 3.6 miles, approximately two and a half hours. The lake is large, as alpine lakes go, and is surrounded by beautiful, old-growth trees. For a weekend loop trip with a car shuttle, turn north to Waptus Lake, then return via Salmon La Sac.
Due to some lingering snow and more blow-downs, we gave up on the trail and headed for the shoreline. There’s an excellent campsite near the outlet, with a view northwest across the lake to Chikamin Peak and the surrounding peaks beyond the Pacific Crest Trail. More sitting spots and a few campsites are scattered along the north shore, connected by a casual path.
Getting there: Leave I-90 at the Roslyn exit. Drive through Roslyn and Ronald, then continue along the shore of Cle Elum Lake almost to the Salmon La Sac campground. Before the campground, turn left toward Cooper Lake. Drive past Owhi campground and park at the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. Dogs and bicycles are allowed in the first 2.5 miles, but not in the designated wilderness. Bring your bug juice.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.