Pete Lake

Pete Lake — Cle Elum, Washington Artwork

Some of the best views are the ones you have to walk a little farther to reach.

Pete Lake is tucked beyond Cooper Lake near Cle Elum, and one of the things I love most about it is that the mountain range you see here is the same dramatic range visible from Cooper Lake. You reach Cooper Lake first, then continue on foot into Pete Lake, giving the landscape a wonderful sense of connection between the two places.

Unlike Cooper Lake, you can’t simply drive right up to Pete Lake. It takes a hike to get there, but in my opinion, it’s absolutely worth the walk. It’s long enough to feel like a proper outing without being an enormous expedition — the perfect excuse to pack a lunch, take your time, and spend a few hours surrounded by the mountains.

Depending on the time of year, the mosquitoes can be particularly enthusiastic, so dressing accordingly and bringing bug protection is definitely part of the adventure. Once you reach the lake, though, with the water stretching out beneath that incredible mountain backdrop, the journey feels completely worthwhile.

Like every location in my collection, Pete Lake is somewhere I’ve personally experienced before bringing it home to draw. The original artwork was created by hand on my iPad using my Apple Pencil, with dozens of hours spent carefully building the mountains, forest, shoreline, water, and details that make this view feel true to place.

This artwork is available as a fine art print in 12 × 18, 18 × 24, 24 × 36, and 24 × 44 inches, making it perfect for anything from a smaller accent piece to a dramatic statement in a mountain home, cabin, living room, office, or adventure-inspired space.

For anyone who has hiked into Pete Lake, explored the Cooper Lake area, or simply loves the quieter corners of the Cascades, this piece is a celebration of a view that feels even more special because you have to earn it.

Bring the adventure home.