Pete Lake — Friday, Oct. 10, 2025

We hiked to Pete Lake today while on a trip visiting friends in Ronald.  This was my first time hiking here in over 30 years. It was 52 degrees with mostly cloudy skies when we pulled into the trailhead lot at 9:30. I was surprised no other cars were parked here.  The vault toilet was open with loads of TP but very smelly and could have used a good cleaning.  It felt like fall on the drive in and all along the trail.  All the vine maples, ash and willow trees were turning vibrant yellow, orange and red.  The trail in open areas is now hard packed wet soil and dry and dusty under heavy tree canopy.  One dead fall tree is across the trail but it was easy to walk around.  What left me with the biggest impression was the lack of water in Pete Lake!  I should not have been surprised after seeing basically no water in Cle Elum Lake on the drive in. The water depth in Pete Lake looked to be 3 to 4 feet at most and muddy islands were exposed through the lake.  Trail traffic was super light, we did not see anyone until on our return hike when we passed 5 other groups ranging in size from 2 to 6 hikers including 2 groups of overnight backpackers. Once at the lake we could see from Leman Mtn to Alta Peak.  There was no smoke in the air from nearby wildfires. Wildlife sightings were limited to chipmunks, squirrels, gray jays, wrens and a few mallard ducks floating on the lake.  After the first mile on the trail mushroom varieties were popping up everywhere.  We encountered a group of CWU students in the first 1/2 mile of the trail on our return picking all types of mushrooms for a class they were taking. There were 8 cars in the TH lot when we drove off at 2:45.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.