After suffering damage from 2014 fires, Alta Lake is back in business

Last July’s devastating Carlton fires, the worst in state history, wiped out an estimated 240,000 acres and destroyed about 150 homes. Included in the fire losses was the pro shop and cart barn at Alta Lake Golf Course in Pateros, Wash., 55 homes near the course were also lost. Lightning sparked the fire and one person died of an apparent heart attack while trying to protect his home for three days.

We wanted to revisit the course this year to see how they are coping with their losses and. According to Parker Garth, the owner and manager of Alta Lake Golf Course, who’s own home was lost in the fire, “We wanted to jump right on the rebuilding. The clubhouse was rebuilt and has been open since April with a few finishing details yet to be completed.” The cart barn was also rebuilt and now houses 72 carts. The surrounding homes that were lost are still mostly missing as only about 15 or so have been rebuilt at this time.

“The course is in very good shape for this time of year”, said Garth. “The response from people has been positive and supportive, new people are coming by daily.”

With the warmer and dryer weather predicted for this fire season, we asked Garth if he thought it could happen again this year, “Wow! I haven’t been asked that question before. There was a small fire near by, we could see the smoke, it was only a few acres but it was quickly put out so I think we are more prepared,” said Garth. “It’s such a beautiful place to live, the reward for living in the Methow Valley is worth the risk,” said Garth.

The course has been a popular destination since 1974 when it opened and gets a lot of tournaments from people from the coast.
When asked what message he would like to get out to the golfing community, “We have the best stay-and-play packages in the Northwest,” said Barth. The lodging and the golf are the best prices anywhere in the Northwest.”

The on-property hotel was one of the few buildings spared in the fire. You can visit their website at www.altalakegolf.com.
(Photos show fire damage and what the course was like before the fire).