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.