Pete Lake Beginner Backpack
Pete Lake We’re Comin’
And we’re inviting 6 people to join us for a 3-day, 2-night beginner-friendly backpack excursion through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We’re intentionally centering BIPOC community and warmly welcoming all gender representations. It’s going to be supportive, scenic, and so much fun.
Dates: July 24-26, 2026
Contribution: $75 for one person or $100 for two people registering together.
Our Vibe Together
Since our main goal is assisting you in becoming a safe, responsible, self-sufficient backpacker, think of your excursion leaders, Denice Rochelle and Stacy Sarver, as your guidance, not your guides. We’re showing up to help you learn, not to do it for you. This is an intentional space created for you to expand your outdoor narrative in a peer-led environment.
Connecting with the forest, mountain, and water, we’ll have space to be ourselves, unlearn, re-learn, and dial in hiking and camping skills, while bravely comfortably, and joyfully leaning into play that opens paths to ecological awareness and the living world.
Our biggest hope is that by the end of this trip, you’ll feel confident returning to these same trails with your own family and friends.
The Experience
Picture walking along a scenic trail that winds through massive, mature Douglas Fir, Engelmann Spruce, and Western Hemlock, complete with a few minor water crossings. Clear skies permitting, we’ll catch gorgeous views of Big Summit Chief and Chimney Rock right as we hit the alpine shore.
Before, during, and after we’ll cover essentials like preparation, group and self-care on the trail, trail etiquette, setting up camp, Leave No Trace principles, trail hazards, and some naturalist awareness of the local ecology.
Located just off I-90 at about 2,986 feet above sea level, Pete Lake forms the headwater of the Cooper River and sits within the stunning Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We’ll find tent spots along the shore, catching breezes on rocky overlooks and listening to the fresh water of Lemah Creek.
Our Plan for the Weekend
Be prepared to comfortably carry your loaded pack up to 5 miles each way with a gentle 400 feet of elevation gain. The trail’s framed by old-growth conifers, river views, and a peaceful forest ambiance. It’s incredibly popular with beginner and seasoned backpackers!
- Day 1 (Friday): We’ll meet in Roslyn at 11am for an equipment check and to caravan together. We’ll park at the Pete Lake Trailhead by noon and hike the trail to our campsites. After we pitch our tents, look forward to relaxing and exploring the land.
- Day 2 (Saturday): Enjoy the beauty. Think alpine scenery, stunning views, and glacier-fed tranquility.
- Day 3 (Sunday): After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll break camp, retrace our 5 miles back to the cars, caravan back to Roslyn, and say our until next time’s.
What You Need to Know
- Prep Sessions: We definitely recommend that you attend our 2-hour Camping Equipment Demystified event on May 9 to help you prepare for this excursion. We’ll be arranging in-person skills and prep sessions to make sure everyone is totally ready for the trail. (Dates and locations will be coordinated with our group)
- The Basics: Be age 18+, have reliable transportation, and have experience car camping and day hiking. Be able to comfortably hike at least 5 miles each way carrying a loaded backpack (average 25-35 pounds) on an undulating trail at a leisurely, conversational pace.
- Equipment Needs: Learning what equipment to have for the environment we want to go to is part of becoming a self-reliant backpacker. We’ll go over needs and the various ways to get equipment to satisfy those needs, including leaning into the abundance of your friends, cousins, or neighbors to borrow items, or investing in core items if you’re able. We may be able to help fill in your gaps from our small equipment library. Equipment is an investment in your safety, comfort, and confidence and we want to set you up for long-term success.
- Permits: We’ll fill out a free wilderness permit at the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass or America The Beautiful pass to park a car. We’ll go over this during prep.
- Carpooling: We’ll provide a link later on so folks can self-organize rideshares.
If you can’t participate, but still want to support us, you can always donate to The Bronze Chapter.