Pete Lake - Polallie Ridge Loop

This loop just inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offers a scenic lake, some waterfalls, a meadow or two and some big views from a former lookout site. Even though I went on a cloudy day, I only missed distant views while at the lookout site and at Pete Lake. The remainder of the loop is just close-up views of meadows, forest and creeks. The loop can be done in either direction but getting the uphill done first is always better for me.

Start up the Pete Lake Trail going just over a mile. Turn right at the Tired Creek Trail. Follow Tired Creek Trail a half mile up to an old road, then turn right following the road a few minutes to an old trailhead. Continue climbing up the Tired Creek Trail another 2.3 miles to a ridgetop and intersection with the Polallie Ridge Trail. First go right and in 0.2 miles reach the lookout site. After the lookout site, backtrack the 0.2 miles, now going the other direction dropping down to Waptus Pass. This is a nice area with numerous hidden campsites in the meadows. Use a map, there are several trail splits but all are well signed. A good side trip would be to go up to Escondido Lake. When the trail drops to Pete Lake, there was one stream crossing of Cooper Creek that required fording since no logs or rocks could be used. This would only be an issue in early season snow melt or late season rain. At Pete Lake, enjoy a monster campground and lakefront views. The 4.5 miles back on the Pete Lake Trail is easy walking to wrap up the loop.

From I-90, take exit 80 (Roslyn/Salmon la Sac). Turn left (north) on WA-903/Salmon la Sac Road and continue 16.8 miles through Roslyn and past Cle Elum Lake. Turn left (west) on FR-46 (signed for FR 4600) and follow 4.7 miles. Turn right on FR-4616 and continue 1 mile to the trailhead. All paved except the last mile is good gravel.