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ALTA LAKE
Golf Course
PAR 4 387 YARDS
Pateros, WA
509.923.2359
www.altalakegolf.com
As a golf writer once wrote about Alta Lake Golf Course, "I hate to give this one away."
A course with a cult following, Alta Lake has stunning views of both the Columbia
River and Alta Lake, and its mountain nine and desert nine are nothing short of scenic
perfection. Adjacent to the town of Pateros, the north central Washington course was
built in 1974 and then expanded to 18 holes in 1992 under the direction of Don Barth,
who would later design his course at nearby Bear Mountain.
Generations of golfers have enjoyed Alta Lake, with one particular group of 40
playing every spring and fall since 1979. The finishing hole, the 387-yard 18th, offers
expansive views of the Columbia from a green perched high on a rocky ridge. The
hole doglegs left at a 90-degree angle, the last 150 yards uphill to a green that repels
everything short, but also scares you to death with a putt from anything long. If you
can't reach the dogleg with your drive, then a play over the sagebrush is long, but
possible. Don't be right with the tee shot, because you'll end up out of bounds in
an orchard.
Besides quick, runaway greens, the test at Alta Lake is getting a reservation at its
adjoining 32-room motel. Nearly everyone who plays here stays here, and nearly
everyone comes back for more. Fun, family, and a see-you-again-next-year mentality
is the ethos of this place.
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Photograph courtesy of Alta Lake Golf Course
