Field trip: Backpacking Building Blocks (B3) Course

Backpacking Building Blocks Student-Only Backpack - Pete & Spectacle Lakes

Nestled at the base of Chikamin Ridge, this is considered a must-see experience off Snoqualmie Pass. Enjoy a 20 mile round trip backpack with 1,600 feet of elevation gain into the alpine wilderness. Spectacle Lake is one of the most beautiful of the Alpine Lakes featuring mountain views and a stunning waterfall. We will explore old growth forests and visit Pete Lake along the way. Kat and Caroline's mentor group has priority signup until June 24, 2024. If space is still available on the trip, other interested and qualified B3 students can email the leaders after June 24th to ask for permission to sign up.

Contacts

Katrina Sanders

Primary Leader

Sat, Jul 20, 2024 — Sun, Jul 21, 2024
Committee: Foothills Backpacking Committee
Activity Type: Backpacking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Moderate
Leader Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 10.5 mi
Elevation Gain: 1,750 ft

Availability: 4 (6 capacity)
Instructor Availability: FULL (2 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Meeting place and time

Current plan is to meet at 8am on Saturday, July 20 ( but this may be adjusted as the trip date gets closer), at the trailhead at the north end of Cooper Lake and the Owhi Campground (WTA coordinates: 47.43421, -121.18701). This is a popular area so carpooling is encouraged.

Leader's notes

We will hike about 10 miles in total, the first 4.5 to Pete Lake being fairly level. There are a lot of little water crossings and one larger one across Lemah Creek that may result in a detour that adds about 2.5 miles each way, but hopefully we won't need to take that detour. As we get close to our destination, the last few miles will include a steep sun-exposed ascent so be prepared to use your 3L carrying capacity to have what you need to stay hydrated.

Day two we will target to be back at the TH no later than 3pm, leaving plenty of time to get home.

If, at the time of the trip, wildfires appear to be a risk, but we will reroute if smoke becomes a concern. See the Hello Hiker email for more details as the trip gets closer.

Route/Place