French Pete Creek Trail

Trailhead to the first ford (0–about 2 mi). The path stays close to French Pete Creek. In the first 1¾ miles you'll see how the 2017 Rebel Fire and 2018 Terwilliger Fire left a patchwork: fire-scorched old Douglas-firs that survived, stands of young and mature forest, and pockets of old growth. The first ford comes at roughly mile 2 (the Forest Service hardened the crossing at mile 2.1 to control erosion). This is the turnaround for most day hikers.

Between the fords (about 2–3 mi). Past the first crossing the trail runs through a less severely burned riparian area full of western redcedars, then recrosses the creek about a mile later.

Upper valley (about 3–9.9 mi). Beyond the second ford the trail continues in younger forest on the north bank, leaves the creek after about five miles and climbs toward the Pat Saddle Trailhead. Through-hikers usually arrange a car shuttle; the upper end connects with the Olallie Trail and the Bear Flat Trail for longer loops.

Fees: none listed for the French Pete Trailhead. Wilderness permits (June 15–Oct 15): a free self-issue day-use permit at the trailhead; overnight trips need a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit from Recreation.gov. Facilities: vault toilets, no potable water, so bring your own or a filter. Keep dogs leashed at the trailhead, and expect wilderness rules beyond it (no bikes or motorized equipment).

Getting there: from Blue River, drive 4 miles east on Highway 126 and turn right onto Forest Road 19 (Aufderheide Drive). Bear right at the Y, go 3 miles to Cougar Reservoir, then continue about 7 miles south on FR 19. The trailhead is on the left, across from French Pete Campground. On Forest Service maps and signs the trail is #3311.

Creek fords: there are no reliable footbridges at the two crossings. In spring runoff or after heavy rain, the fords can be swift and cold. If the water looks pushy, enjoy the lower trail and turn around.

The Rebel Fire burned north down to the creek in 2017, and the Terwilliger Fire burned south a year later until it reached the Rebel Fire's footprint. The lower trail is a living classroom in moderate-severity fire. Look for thick-barked Douglas-firs that came through with scorch marks, snags that now house woodpeckers, and a carpet of new growth. Watch for hazard trees, especially on windy days.

French Pete was a front line in the fight over the Northwest's old-growth forests. The Forest Service removed it from the protected Three Sisters area in 1957, and students, hikers and groups like the Save French Pete Committee spent years campaigning to keep it from being logged. In 1978 the Endangered Wilderness Act added the valley to the Three Sisters Wilderness. It was among the first big blocks of low-elevation old-growth forest set aside from logging. Bring that story with you: you're walking a trail people marched for.