Melakwa Lake
Last modified
Nov 12, 2009 12:44 PM
Contributors:
Big Pants Trekkers
Melakwa Lake. Photo by Forty-n-Eight.
Crowds abate once past Denny Creek's waterfalls--the hordes thinning to a respectable number of serious hikers looking for an alpine lake experience. And what an experience! The trail finally crests Hemlock Pass and descends moderately to Melakwa Lake, a broad alpine wonder with rocky slopes leading straight down into the crystal water. Those bright waters also reflect the craggy peaks that ring the lake: Chair and Kaleetan Peaks, most notably. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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I was originally headed to Mt. Defiance, but decided against it after seeing the snow up there from I-90. Melakwa...
I was originally headed to Mt. Defiance, but decided against it after seeing the snow up there from I-90. Melakwa Lake was nearby, so I headed up that trail. I made it as far as the end of Hemlock Pass before the snow got too deep to continue without snowshoes. The trail is passable, but wet snow sticks to boots, adding a pound or two to each one, which makes for slow going and gets very tiring.
Day hike
Features:
Fall foliage
Issues:
Water on trail
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though there are signs at the trailhead that indicate "high danger" and caution, we didn't see much reason why. ...
though there are signs at the trailhead that indicate "high danger" and caution, we didn't see much reason why. one small bridge was a little damaged, but definitely crossable. some water and mud on the trail; a bit frosty and thawed frozen ground right near the lake. once we got back to the car, the lot was full (and there was a ranger ticketing the cars that didn't have trail passes....). a great fall day hike today!
Melakwa Lake
— Oct 18, 2009
— dadn
Day hike
Features:
Fall foliage
Issues:
Clogged drainage | Mudholes | Water on trail
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Two California daughters in town for the weekend and we needed some hiking exercise not too far away from our...
Two California daughters in town for the weekend and we needed some hiking exercise not too far away from our Issaquah home and Melakwa Lake won. Not exactly California weather, but no rain, mixed clouds and some sun breaks, and a really beautiful area. Fall colors were at their prime. The trail...well, there's something for everyone... Lots of water running down the trail, especially on the upper section, lots of roots, mud, several stream crossings on rocks and a couple on slippery logs all made for a great adventure. Waterfalls were roaring and lake was beautiful. We wanted to make it to the pass but ran out of time. We vowed to make the loop over to Gem and Snow lake next year. They were disappointed that we didn't see any snow even on the top of the mountains at the lake. Lots of friendly people and dogs on the trail but I guess it's normal for a Sunday.
Melakwa Lake
— Aug 31, 2009
— granitemountain
Day hike
Issues:
Bridge out
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The bridge over Denny Creek is gone so caution is needed in spring/early summer crossing it. Water level now...
The bridge over Denny Creek is gone so caution is needed in spring/early summer crossing it. Water level now is so low it was easy to cross. Hiked to Melakwa Lake, then continued on up to Melakwa Pass, then down into Chair Peak Lake, and around for views of Snow Lake. There is a good path thru the middle of the large grove of trees en route from the Melakwa Lake to the pass. In the past I had gone around it. Still some snow down in Chair Peak Lake. Do not descend down into this w/o poles as the return is quite steep. The entire trip was 8 hours round trip.
Talapus Lake, Olallie Lake, Pratt Lake, Melakwa Lake, Denny Creek
— Aug 29, 2009
— Sho and co
Multi-night backpack
Features:
Wildflowers blooming | Ripe berries
Issues:
Bugs
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Went on a leasurely one-way walk from Talapus trailhead to Denny Creek trailhead, 8-year-old pace.
Talapus area is mobbed as usual....
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. |
Driving Directions
From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek). Turn left over the overpass and proceed to a T. Turn right and travel 0.25 mile to Denny Creek Road (Forest Road 58). Turn left and drive 2.5 miles, turning left on the paved road just after the Denny Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the road's end. |
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