We wanted to go to the top of Kaleetan Peak but started out too late for that. But getting up to Point 5700 was a thrill in itself. Point 5700 is the highest prominence on the way to Kaleetan. (Sorry if you think I misled you by including Kaleetan in the title of this trip report, but Point 5700 was not one of the options. You will see this point between Melakwa Lake and Kaleetan Peak if you look at any map.)

The fall colors were spectacular. Even though Denny Creek did not have much water flow, Keekwulee Falls was lovely and Melakwa Lake was more beautiful than ever with the autumn colors rimming the shore. After crossing the log bridge at the Pratt River outlet from Melakwa Lake, we turned left at the first toilet sign. We followed that trail to the second toilet sign. Immediately before the second toilet sign we turned right and gained 1200 vertical feet in about a mile up to Point 5700. The trail braids through rocks and trees and heather and reveals views of the lakes below and the mountains all around. Mere words can not describe the view from Point 5700. The mountain peaks and lakes go on forever. It was fun to identify all the peaks we have already been to the top of and those we plan to go up soon.

See photos: http://www.flickr.com/[…]/

A perfect fall day to be in the mountains, cloudy below, sunny and warm up high. The trail to Kaleetan starts from Melakawa Lake, you are supposed to go up the trail to the WC but the sign is only a remnant right now. Just follow the trail up the hill to your left as you approach the lake, behind the rock face. It goes up steeply (past an intact WC sign) and up up up to Point 5700. From there you drop down a few hundred steep feet before crossing a talus field and then straight up to the summit.

This hike takes me a long time (5 hours in, 4 out), but I'm kind of slow and there's a lot to look at. At 12 miles and 4000+ vertical, much of it really steep, much of it really chunky rocks, it's hard to go fast up or down. I suggest an early start this time of year. Bring bug juice and there is no water above Melakawa Lake.

One of the prettiest peaks and best vantage points in the Snoqualmie Pass area in a non technical scramble.

Went on a leasurely one-way walk from Talapus trailhead to Denny Creek trailhead, 8-year-old pace.

Talapus area is mobbed as usual. The junction with the cutoff trail to Pratt Trail (1039.1) is no longer marked --- look for it on the other side of a small creek where some other signs are hanging. Not sure if there is an attempt to close it, or just a missing sign... The trail itself is in great shape.

Pratt Lake felt like a campground --- we stayed somewhat in the woods, but all accesses to water were filled, and with nice toasty campfires, no less. Bugs not bad.

The trail to Lower Tuscohatchie is in great shape, recently brushed (thanks!), with superb valley views. Quite a few people there too, but not too bad. From Tuscohatchie to Melakwa, the forested trail is very pleasant as it climbs to the lake. Melakwa Lake is beautiful, of course. Blueberries, huckleberries, a salmonberry or two.

The trail continues around the left side to a small peninsula, and from there to Upper Melakwa, smaller but very pretty. We stayed at the upper lake and had it all to ourselves. Plenty of bugs. There are more private campsites on the bluff overlooking the upper lake (scramble up before reaching the peninsula). The "trail" to the Melakwa pass continues on the right side of Upper Melakwa, just along the shore. We didn't go to the pass.

Denny Creek trail is rocky, steep, and hot. Could use some brushing. Full of people even on a Monday.

All in all --- the lakes are amazings, the trails are in great shape for the most part.

Did this hike on Thursday (14 Aug 2009), it was a foggy/cloudy day so the views were fairly poor -- but still an enjoyable hike.

The dirt road to the trailhead (after Road 58) has a couple big potholes, but nothing too bad.

There is nothing left of the bridge crossing Denny Creek at Slide Rock. The trail across the creek is marked with some bright tape, just look a little upstream for it.

We saw some wildflowers still in bloom including wild asters, spireas, indian paintbrush, fireweed, and native columbine. Most of these are better the closer you get to Hemlock Pass. We encountered no bugs on the hike, but it was pretty foggy and drippy.

The trail is in good condition, a bit sloppy after Hemlock Pass to the lake -- but nothing too bad. A fellow hiker pointed out that the best way to cross Pratt River at the lake is to keep going on the trail to the lake, then crossing over the log to left.

Melakwa Lake was pretty fogged-in when we arrived at 12noon, but the clouds started to lift as ate some lunch. A very enjoyable cool hike on a rainy day -- even if we didnt have the best views.

More photos on my blog, www.weekendhike.com