Spectacle Lake + Pete Lake With Kids: What to Expect
There’s something extra special about a backpacking trip with family and friends—especially when you’ve got kids along for the ride. Earlier this summer, we loaded up our packs and headed out as a group to Pete Lake, with the original plan of hiking all the way to Spectacle Lake and spending a night up there.
But as it turns out, plans in the backcountry are flexible for a reason.
Some of our friends hadn’t backpacked in a while, and once we hit Pete Lake, it became pretty clear that hauling heavy gear up to Spectacle (with kids, no less) just wasn’t the move. So we adapted: we made Pete our home base for a few nights, then day-hiked up to Spectacle Lake with light packs, dinner, and swimsuits.
And honestly—it was perfect.
Pete Lake was peaceful, kid-friendly, and easy to settle into. And Spectacle Lake? It might be one of the most breathtaking places in Washington. We had dinner by the water, jumped in for a swim, and hiked back under the stars with headlamps and tired, happy legs.
In this post, I’ll share:
- What the hike is really like with kids
- How we adapted our trip plan as a group (without stress)
- What gear made life easier (and what we’d do differently)
- Why this trip turned out to be one of our favorites yet
Whether you’re planning your first overnight with kids or heading out with a mixed-experience crew, this post has everything you need to know to make a trip like this work—without overcomplicating it.
🗺 Trail Overview
- Trailhead: Cooper Lake/Pete Lake Trail
- Distance: ~18.7miles round trip (with Spectacle Lake)
- Elevation Gain: ~2,600 ft total
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Best Season: Late June through October
- Permits/Passes Needed: NW Forest Pass, self-issue wilderness permit
🥾 Day 1: The Hike to Pete Lake
We kicked off our adventure with a hike into Pete Lake, which quickly proved to be the perfect basecamp for families. The trail in is about 4.5 miles and stays mostly flat, weaving through lush forest with occasional views of the river. It’s shaded, mellow, and ideal for younger hikers or anyone carrying a pack that’s heavier than expected (we may have overpacked just a bit).
The kids did great with the distance—we kept the mood light with trail games, snacks, and plenty of creek stops to splash around and cool off. There are a few water crossings along the way, but nothing tricky. Just be sure everyone has shoes that can get wet or that dry quickly.
When we reached Pete Lake, we found a quiet spot to set up camp just off the lake’s edge. There are several well-established campsites, some closer to the water and others tucked into the trees. The kids immediately made themselves at home—building forts with sticks, wading in the lake, and collecting rocks like treasure.
That evening we made dinner, hung our bear bags, and watched the sky shift from golden to pink over the water. It was the perfect start to our stay.
🏔️ Day 2: A Day Hike to Spectacle Lake
Originally, the plan was to backpack all the way to Spectacle Lake and camp there for a night or two. But after day one, it became pretty clear our group was happier staying put at Pete. Some of our friends hadn’t backpacked in a while, and the weight of fully loaded packs (plus kid gear, let’s be honest) made the idea of pushing uphill with everything feel… less fun.
So we pivoted. And honestly? It turned out to be perfect.
We made Pete Lake our basecamp and day-hiked to Spectacle Lake instead—leaving behind the heavy gear and just carrying water, layers, and dinner supplies. The trail from Pete to Spectacle is stunning, but it’s also a workout: a solid climb, some exposed rocky sections, and just enough switchbacks to remind your legs they’re alive. The kids handled it like champs with plenty of snack breaks and encouragement along the way.
When we reached Spectacle Lake, it felt like stepping into a postcard. Jagged peaks, blue-green water, and granite slabs that begged to be laid on. It was, hands-down, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been in Washington.
We swam (yes, it was cold), made dinner with a view, and soaked in the alpine magic. As the sun dipped behind the ridge, we packed up and hiked back down to Pete in the twilight. We reached camp by headlamp, tired but happy, and honestly kind of proud that we’d pulled it off.
🌲 Day 3: Rest, Play, and Lake Time at Pete
After the big push to Spectacle the day before, we kept Day 3 low-key—and it was exactly what we needed. No miles to cover, no gear to repack. Just a full day of hanging out at camp and letting the kids take the lead.
The lake was the main attraction. The kids spent hours wading in the shallows, chasing tiny fish, and building forts out of driftwood. We swam, we read books on warm rocks, we snacked constantly. The grown-ups took turns napping in the sun, filtering water, and slowly making coffee that somehow tasted better than usual.
We didn’t feel rushed to do anything—which, when you’re camping with a group, can be the best kind of day. The kids invented games in the woods, explored every corner of our little campsite, and occasionally came back covered in pine needles and big grins.
That evening, we made one last group dinner by the lake and watched the light fade through the trees. It was one of those rare camping days where nothing major happens—and yet it ends up being one of your favorite parts of the whole trip.
🚶♀️ Day 4: Hiking Out
On the morning of Day 4, we packed up camp slowly, soaking in the last few moments at Pete Lake. The kids were a little tired but still full of energy, fueled by a mix of oatmeal, hot cocoa, and excitement to head home and tell stories about swimming in a freezing alpine lake and hiking in the dark.
The hike out was smooth and familiar—we’d done it just a few days before, and it felt good to retrace our steps with lighter packs and trail legs that had gotten a little stronger. We took breaks when we needed to, snapped a few last pictures, and let the conversation head into reminiscing about the weekend.
As we reached the trailhead, there was that classic post-backpacking mix of satisfaction, dirt, and a craving for real food. Spectacle Lake may have been the highlight, but it was the whole rhythm of the trip—quiet mornings, shared meals, spontaneous changes of plan—that made it such a memorable adventure.
✨ Final Thoughts
Backpacking with family and friends—especially with kids in the mix—isn’t always smooth or simple, but it’s always memorable. This trip reminded us that plans can shift, gear might be heavy, and sometimes the best moments aren’t the ones we mapped out ahead of time.
Making Pete Lake our basecamp and day-hiking to Spectacle turned out to be exactly what we needed. The kids thrived with time to explore and play, the adults got the adventure and the downtime, and we all came home a little dirtier, a little prouder, and already planning our next trip.
If you’re thinking about this hike with a mixed-experience group or with kids in tow—go for it. Adjust as needed. Leave room for play. And don’t skip the swim at Spectacle.
Have you done this trail or something similar with kids or friends? I’d love to hear how it went—drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @thetrekkingmama so I can follow along on your adventures.
