[Blowdown]

This trip was a five-day logout of the Pete Lake area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. This BCRT (Backcountry Response Team) was organized by WTA (Washington Trails Association). The original project was for the PCT between Spectacle Lake and Solo Tarn, but we had to change plans. The snowpack was still five feet deep in some areas, and the two crossings of Lemah Creek, at Lemah Junction and on the PCT, were WAY too swift and deep to cross safely. I wouldn’t recommend the route to Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake for a few more weeks until those river crossings aren’t so dangerous. Our crew of eleven included six women, so we really got a LOT of work done! Our saw teams leapfrogged over each other sawing out blowdowns. We cleared dozens of logs, some very large and complex, from the Pete Lake to trailhead to Lemah Junction, and the teams worked so efficiently that we cleared additional areas: About a half mile up Waptus Pass trail from Pete Lake, and all of the Lemah Meadow trail to the PCT. Our WTA crew joined a PCTA crew to clear large logs at the Lemah Crossing trail junction. The weather was unusually hot, but our crew agreed on early starts so we were able to get a lot of work done before the late afternoon heat. Quick swims in ice-cold Pete Lake sure felt good! WTA volunteer Albert amazed us by backpacking in 9 miles with frozen ice cream bars and juice packs in dry ice on a super hot day. What an awesome surprise! We had to carry in our tools, because horses weren’t able to access Pete Lake because of all the blowdowns. Once we had the trail cleared of logs, pack train support from Backcountry Horsemen Tracy and Kenny met us at Pete Lake on the last day and hauled out most of our tools and gear for us. And they even brought cupcakes! This crew worked especially well together. Everyone worked incredibly hard, and we shared LOTS of laughs. Gary, Crew Leader Extraordinaire, kept his eye on everyone and prioritized the work. Gary and his assistant crew leaders continuously kept safety on the top of everyone's minds. But we also had BIG fun and got LOTS of work done!

Tools!

Radios!

Double-bucking

Before ...

After!

Sharp tools!

Removing major blocking problems

Wedges

All kinds of logs

Bridge out

Lemah Creek overflowing campground. Note trail sign on tree.

PCT junction

Temporary

Big jobs

Small jobs

Still lots of snow

Pete Lake

Deluxe facilities at Pete Lake

Spectacular peaks from Pete Lake

Noodles!

Awesome support from awesome Backcountry Horsemen

Eyelashes!

[Ready2climb]

THANKS FOR ALL YOUR WORK FOR OTHERS!!!

[Sallie4jo]

Yes thank you. 💕Eye lashes!

[puzzlr]

Thanks for the trail work. It sounds like a fun area to spend some time in and you got a LOT done!

[williswall]

Much appreciated!

[BarbE]

I fondly remember Albert packing in ice cream to Pete Lake on our BCRT with Gary from Park Lakes to Pete Lake a couple of years ago. Such a pleasant surprise after dragging our equipment up the miserable brushy Mineral Creek trail and the extreme hot temps during the rest of the trip. Still an amazingly fun and memorable BCRT!

[sticky buns]

Hey, now I know who Blowdown is! When I got home, I did the CalTopo simulated view. The peak ID in your photo from the lake should read Chikamin, then starting from the middle, Lemah 1, 2, and 3. https://caltopo.com/view#ll=47.4762,-121.2321&e=30&t=&z=5&c=7.95,-71.37 And, hey, Barb, last time I saw Albert was when he delivered ice cream to your crew, too. It was fun being able to partake this time, of ice cream and logs.

[fourteen410]

Thank you!

[NBL]

THANK YOU!

[Stefan]

A hearty thank you to you! I have hiked that trail several times. It is great to see the pictures before and experience the after!

[Foist]

Thank you!

[KarlK]

Nice work in a teriffic place!

[Sky Hiker]

Thanks for the hard work