Pete & Spectacle Lakes

The hike to Pete Lake is an easy 4.5 miles with 450 feet of elevation gain and is essentially a continuation of the Cooper River Trail near Snoqualmie Pass. The trail begins in deep forest, with close views of the river during the early stretch. For a backpacking trip, continue on to Spectacle Lake just off the the Pacific Crest Trail.

getting there

Take Exit 80 (Roslyn/Salmon la Sac) off of I-90. Turn left (north) on SR-903/Salmon la Sac Road and continue 16.8 miles through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Lake. Turn left (west) on Forest Road 46 and follow 4.7 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 4616 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead.

on the trail

Pete Lake

From the trailhead at the north end of Cooper Lake hike along the Cooper River to Pete Lake It's 9 miles round trip and  400 feet of elevation gain with a high point of 3,200 ft. The valley is blanketed with thick old-growth forest and the occasional river meadow, but few distant views of Big Summit Chief Mountain to the west and the surrounding ridges.  The western side has a toilet and some decent camp sites.

Spectacle Lake

From Pete Lake, continue on the Pete Lake Trail east to a junction just before the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Turn left and hike to the PCT in 0.8 miles. Follow the PCT south 2.9 miles and turn right onto the Spectacle Lake Trail, reaching the lake in ~0.7 miles. This is a moderate 20 mile round trip backpack with 1,760 feet of elevation gain with a high point of 4,300 ft. Spectacle Lake is one of the most beautiful of the Alpine Lakes featuring mountain views and a stunning waterfall.

Alternative: Instead of a round trip backpack, consider setting up a car shuttle at the Mineral Creek Trailhead and either starting there and ending at Cooper Lake or visa versa. The trailheads at Cooper Lake and Mineral Creek are ~4.5 miles apart.

notes

  • The trail to the lake can be quite popular and crowded as it is relatively easy and is on the east side of Snoqualmie Pass so it has better than even odds to be drier than on the west side.
  • The Pete Lake Trail is fairly wide and is shared with horses. Don’t be surprised if you run into a few.
  • Lemah Creek near Pete Lake may be a challenge to cross and may require a detour that adds 4.5 miles.
  • Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
  • Seasons: May, June, July, August, September, October
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Length: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 400 ft
  • 3,200 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Kachess Lake No. 208
  • Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
Activities

Upcoming Activities

TAC PAT - Activity - Pete & Spectacle Lakes

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Monthly field trips that enable Pathfinders to practice newly learned skills.
Difficulty: Moderate
Sat, Jun 8, 2024 - Sun, Jun 9, 2024
No Prerequisites
4 participants
Registration closes Jun 6
Tacoma Branch
RyAnn Peverley

Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Pete Lake

Backpacking Field trip: Introduction to Backpacking
Preference to Tacoma Introduction to Backpacking students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers to register
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, Jun 15, 2024 - Sun, Jun 16, 2024
No Prerequisites
4 participants 0 instructors
Registration opens Apr 4; Instructor registration open now
Tacoma Branch
Jeffrey Edwards

Summer Camp Overnight - Pete & Spectacle Lakes

Youth Youth activity: Summer Camp - Teen Adventures: Intro Backpacking
Overnight camping trip for Summer Campers
Difficulty: Moderate
Tue, Jul 2, 2024 - Thu, Jul 4, 2024
No Prerequisites
5 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Jun 30
Tacoma Branch
Sarah Holt
Qualified Youth Leader

Backpack - Pete & Spectacle Lakes

Backpacking Trip
Nestled at the base of Chikamin Ridge, this is considered a must-experience off Snoqualmie Pass.
Difficulty: Moderate
Sun, Aug 11, 2024 - Mon, Aug 12, 2024
No Prerequisites, Leader's Permission Required
5 participants
Registration opens Jun 3
Foothills Branch

Junior MAC Hike - Pete & Spectacle Lakes

Backpacking Youth activity: Junior MAC - Olympia
A hike for Olympia Junior MAC.
Difficulty: Moderate
Tue, Aug 13, 2024 - Fri, Aug 16, 2024
No Prerequisites
8 participants
Registration closes Aug 11
Olympia Branch
Claire Edwards
Qualified Youth Leader
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Pete Lake
  • Spectacle Lake
Resources

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