Peterson Lake Natural Area
Discuss | Email | Print Vince Richardson
May 15, 2008 - 01:53 PM

Vince Richardson

Peterson Lake can seen from the trail.

This trail isn’t going to be named “most spectacular.” However, it has its own personality, which includes large patches of mud, stinging nettles and blackberry thickets. They’re not the best characteristics, but they’re characteristics nonetheless.

Stinging nettles are abundant. This time of the year, they are about calf high. In mid-summer, the prickly plants will push to shoulder height.

Throw in several large blackberry thickets and the going is tough. Long shirts and pants are necessary.

On the bright side, by mid-summer, areas except for the portions near the lake’s shoreline will be dry.

King County acquired this 153-acre area in order to preserve the quality of water and habitat within the Cedar River watershed. Western red cedars dominate the scene, a testament to the water-logged soil in the area.

Distance: 2.3 miles

Destination: Peterson Lake

Difficulty: Moderate because of mud

Elevation gain: Minimal

Getting there: From Interstate 405 in Renton, take Highway 169 (Maple Valley Highway) toward Maple Valley. At the light for 196th Avenue Southeast, turn right and go 2.2 miles. Just after the farm with the white fence, pull into the parking area on the right side of the road. The trailhead is across the street to the left of the “Natural Area” sign.

To get to the lake from the south side, continue 0.3 mile on 196th Avenue Southeast. Turn left on S.E. Petrovitsky Road. Go 0.2 mile. Turn left, crossing the bustling road and drive along the gravel pipeline road.

The Trek: After parking and crossing the street, set out on the trail. The trailhead is overgrown with blackberries. You’re on the right path if a large sawed log greets you on the right.

The trail is single-track and overgrown in sections. It doesn’t take long for the roar of traffic to fade.

Pass the first of several massive cedars and encounter the first muddy section of trail. The mud along the trail is thick, dark brown and sticky. There are sections of trail where extensive work has been done, but even those sections have begun to fall into disrepair.

Head up a hill. At the fork, go right. At this time, the nettles are young, numerous and for the most part easily passed.

Hop over a downed tree, passing huge sword ferns, swaths of bleeding hearts and salmonberry bushes.

The trail widens before once again narrowing. Make your way over another log and pass a swamp area on the left.

Break out of the forest and into a cleared swath of land where high-tension power lines replace towering trees. Go right. Peterson Lake can be seen below, lying in a divot on the valley’s floor. Traipse through the grass on a combination game trail/dirt road, then proceed down a steep hill through the middle of a huge blackberry thicket.

At the bottom, the mud really gets serious. Making your way around the muck, enter a grove of cedars. The trees nearly blot out the sun. The trail comes and goes. Just make sure to continue toward the lake.

The trail leads to the north side of Peterson Creek, which feeds into the lake.

The remains of a concrete weir make for a good place to turn around and head back. However, if you are feeling adventurous and don’t mind bushwacking or getting your feet wet, one can find a way across the creek to the south side. In actuality, if you are dying for a view from the other side, it’s easier to follow the directions and drive.

The south side affords views of the lake, which on this day included fishermen both on and off the water. After taking it all in, turn around and head back to the rig.


Previous Hike

Little Mount Si
 

Next Hike

North Creek Park


Most Read Stories

Top Jobs

Gentleman Gene's now hiring KITCHEN HELP, must be 18, motivated & able to work weekends. No phone calls…


F/T & P/T Staff needed to support Developmentally Disabled adults in small residential facility. Swing…


Great Opportunity for energetic and personable individual w/superb Dental Front Office skills. Burlington…


Parent Service Coordinator For NWESD's Migrant Education Regional Office in Anacortes. Bachelors deg.…


Carpenter Helpers & Apprentices Needed Looking for workers who would like to grow in their trade and…


P/T Caregiver for 24 hr. shifts in La Conner. CNA pref'd. Transfers nec. Refs/Exp. (360) 293-5781 ask…


DENTAL HYGIENIST FT/PT needed 3-4 days/wk. Busy office. Great patients. Please send resume to PO Box…


Physician (Pulmonologist) Must have M.D., completion of residency in Internal Medicine with a fellowship…


NEEDED: Operators, foreman, pipe layers, top men, must have at least 5 years experience. Please fax resume…


Exp Log Truck Driver Wanted. 35% Please Call (360) 708-5600


EARN EXTRA $$$$$ Youth and Adult CARRIERS NEEDED The Fidalgo This Week has immediate openings, once a…


NW Washington's largest spa and pool store is seeking a professional sales associate. Premium salary,…


SMALL ROUTES!!!! EASY MONEY!!!! DELIVERY NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE 6AM MON.-SAT. AND BY 8AM ON SUN. (Open…


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: BURLINGTON The Skagit Valley Herald now has…


HOUSING TECHNICIAN F/T days, 4/10's. Mon.-Thur., exc. benefits, incl. 3 wks. vacation per yr. Work with…


NOW HIRING Lumber Yard Help Sales and general labor/forklift jobs avail. 1834 W. SR 20. 360-855-7538…


Clinician I or II F/T (37.5) Coupeville. Provides primary clinical therapy, case management and/or group…


EXP. CASHIERS F/T positions avail. Must be able to work nights & weekends. Competitive pay. 2 weeks…


Berry Pickers Wanted! Sakuma Bros. Farms is now hiring berry pickers for our kids crew (ages 12 - 15)…


DENTAL ASSISTANT P/T, job share. Experience required. Please call: 360-336-5440


LPNs RNs $2,000 sign-on bonus for RN $1,500 sign-on bonus for LPN Exciting new nursing mgmt ready for…


F/T DENTAL ASSISTANT. Looking for energetic, people person w/ good communication skills. Mail resume…


TEACHER OF THE DEAF for the NWESD's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program at Island View Elementary in Anacortes.…


P/T Dietary Aide/ Dishwasher position available 3:30pm-8pm. Must be flexible & dependable. Please apply…


Bookkeeper Data entry, AP/AR, taxes & clerical duties. Min. 1 yr. exp. Resume to P.O. Box 159, Mount…


Are you working too hard with little or no success? No company support? No time off? No paid vacations?…


Volume custom home builder looking for self-motivated energetic hourly & commission salesperson to work…


Conservation Programs Coordinator Full-time/benefits, incl. 3 weeks vacation. Develops & implements program…


Mount Vernon School District seeks qualified bilingual applicants ADVOCATE/ COMMUNITY LIAISON 8 hrs/day,…


Roofers Wanted Valid driver's license. Must pass drug test. 360-293-2021


SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER For NWESD at Island View Elementary in Anacortes. Go to www.esd189 .org to…


CCSWW-NW in Skagit Co. is hiring Temporary CHAP Program Foster Parent Recruiter BA in Social Services/or…


The Corner Restaurant is currently hiring for an exp. Full Line Cook & Dishwasher. Call 293-8411 Ext.…


CCS-NW- Skagit Co. Mental Health Therapist-Skagit School Program F/T, $2,583.75 - $2,674.75 per mo. DOE,…


Nurses RNs up to $52/hr LPNs up to $35/hr Pts up to $75/hr All shifts & specialties 1 yr. current exp.…


CNAs $1,000 sign-on bonus Positions available for caring and dependable CNAs. Exciting new nursing mgmt.…


Telephone book delivery. Earn summer cash. Need groups or individuals for 3 wks. (360) 840-0870


DRIVER Class A, 3+ yrs. exp. professionalism, integrity, good work ethic. Small, locally based company.…


Immediate Opening PIPE LAYER Exc. benefits & wages, some prevailing wage work. 5 yrs. min. exp. Drug-free…


FITTER/ WELDER needed by small manuf. F/T, Wages DOE. Drug Free. Apply in person at US Mower, 11949 Westar…


ATTENTION ANACORTES The Skagit Valley Herald now has the following motor routes available immediately:…


Information & Referral Publishing Specialist Human Services Agency in downtown Everett seeks I&R Publishing…


NOW HIRING: Exp. Finish Carpenter/Cabinet Maker, Entry-level Carpenter, Entry-level Laminator. Competitive…


Field Service Tech F/T Mon.-Fri., days, clean windows, roofs, carpet, willing to train. Exp. pref'd.…


CPA firm seeking STAFF ACCOUNTANT with exp. in public accounting. QuickBooks. Also seeking RECEPTIONIST/…


Bilingual Territory Mgr. Spanish-English. Setting up and servicing dealers for Fortune 500 telecommunications…


CCS has an opening for a CASE MANAGER for our Chronically Homeless Housing Program in Whatcom Co. BA…


Coop Preschool Teacher(s). AA, BA in ECE preferred. P/T, DOE Resume to: StanwoodCoop@gmailcom


Not only are we a great place to play; we're a great place to work! Front Desk Clerk $12.50-$14.50 Club…


Whidbey Island Manor is accepting applications for Director of Nursing Services. Must have a current…


CAREGIVERS Fidalgo Care Center and Rosario Assisted Living has current openings for caregivers, NAR's…


Summer Employment Opportunities! We are looking for energetic, motivated workers for the following positions…


P/T Weekend Marketing Asst. Housekeeping (P/T & poss. F/T) Servers P/T We are expanding. We need a dynamic,…


P/T Receptionist/ Cashier for Fri.-Sun. Great for extra income. Apply at FRONTIER FORD, 12610 Thompson…


Housekeeper Must be able to work weekends & evenings. If interested, apply in person at: Mira Vista Care…


RESTORATIVE CNA Experienced. 2 positions. FT w/benefits. LIFE CARE CENTER OF SKAGIT VALLEY 1462 West…


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: BURLINGTON The Skagit Valley Herald now has…


Team Corporation Manufacturer of Vibration Test Equip. needs the following positions filled: CNC Programmer/Operator…


P/T Chef (every other wknd) breakfast exp., Deli help, P/T, over 21 a plus. (360) 466-5522


ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted: SEDRO-WOOLLEY The Skagit Valley Herald now…


Pioneer Center North a residential chemical dependency treatment facility seeks: Food Service Specialist,…


JOB COACH to support persons w/disabilities in community jobs. Exp: 1 yr. w/ disabilities req., F/T,…


Do You Care? We hope so. If you'd like to help an older or disabled adult stay in his/her own home (and…


Cascades Job Corps Center has the following openings: *Employability Specialist *Residential Advisor…


CHEESECAKE CAFE has F/T & P/T positions. Must be friendly & have deli /espresso exp. Apply in person,…


Agriculture Office Assistant Office assistant to complete hiring paperwork and to perform daily office…


FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR Supervises F&B operations on an assigned shift. Requires 2 years of Food &…


ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR - Multicultural Outreach, Admissions. View announcement online at www.wwu.edu/jobs…


Immediate openings Tank Workers Above ground storage tank exp. pref'd. Field tank erection & repair work.…


CAREGIVERS NEEDED for seniors & people with disabilities Gas Card Hiring Bonus! Best Wage & Benefit…


EXP. COOKS & SERVERS needed. Busy, high quality restaurant. Top pay - good tips. Send resume with cover…


Insurance Coordinator, Surgical/Dental Assistant in surgical office. Good benefits and environment. Fax…


F/T DAYCARE ASSISTANT/PRESCHOOL TEACHER Must be 18, Call(360)428-7961


Seeking an exp. Dental Assistant with a willingness to learn, excellent people skills, and a positive…


WOO HOO!! Hiring In Mount Vernon Support adults with disabilities in their homes. FT & PT. Generous Medical…


Industrial Welders/ Fabricators/ Millwrights Many industrial opportunities avail- able now for work in…


Substitute Custodians (Job #2007-650) Bellingham Public Schools is currently seeking candidates to fill…


LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN has the following positions avail.: RESIDENT CARE MANAGER for Assisted Living…


INSURANCE F/T position for fast paced office. Marketing, computer & organizational skills req'd. Insurance…


SKAGIT COUNTY Seeking Quality Home Health Clinicians: RNs - HH & Infusion LPNs Physical Therapists Competitive…


MILLWRIGHT Journeyman millwright needed for well established sawmill. 3 yrs. min. sawmill exp. or equivalent.…


The Porterhouse now hiring F/T Line Cook Apply in person at 416 Gates, MV.


Sedro-Woolley Veterinary Care is currently accepting resumes for: VET TECH and VET TECH ASS'T positions.…


EARN EXTRA $$$ CARRIERS NEEDED Youth and Adult The Anacortes American has immediate openings, once a…


CCS IS HIRING Support Specialists to assist in Mental Health treatment for Children/ /Families in Skagit…


Immediate Openings START NOW $14.25 Base/ Appt. FT/PT Avail. Customer sales/service Cond. Apply…


Currently seeking SECURITY OFFICERS in the Anacortes area. Entry level positions start at $9.50. Positions…


"EXTRA MONEY" and the rest of the day free couldn't be easier! $50.00 Sign On Bonus! Delivery needs to…


F/T Detailer/ Janitor Salary DOE (360) 755-5448


NOW HIRING: P/T LOUNGE SERVER Must be 21. Apply in person, Max Dales Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Dr.,…


Life's Good at The Beach! "Christ-Centered, people-focused" are not empty words in a mission statement,…


Massage Therapist Looking for friendly, established therapist with local following. Contact Ashley G.…


San Juan Blast Cleaning is looking for 2 PAINTERS Exp. preferred but will train motivated person. Metalizing…


"EXTRA MONEY" and the rest of the day free!!!! ATTENTION: Skagit Valley Herald newspaper carriers wanted:…


Call (360) 914-0097 Lang Custom Concrete seeking quality Laborers, Finishers and Form Setters. www.langcustom.com…


Truck Drivers-O.O. CDL A, 2 yrs. reefer exp. Dedicated runs. Good pay, benefits. Visit: www. sitkotrucking.com…


Pioneer Center North a residential chemical dependency treatment facility in Skagit Co. seeks: Residential…


ROOFERS WANTED. Great oppty w/local established roofing co. Top pay & working environment. Tools & experience…


NOW HIRING Dishwasher Apply in person, Max Dales Martini Lounge, 2030 Riverside Dr., Mount Vernon.


Visiting Angels WANTS YOU! CAREGIVERS Love working with seniors or disabled? We hire caring & dedicated…


Delivery Driver/ Warehouse person needed full- time. Good driving record & able to lift up to 100 lbs.…