Talapus Lake, Olallie Lake, Pratt Lake, Melakwa Lake, Denny Creek
Aug 29, 2009
by
Sho and co
—
last modified
Sep 01, 2009 11:19 AM
- Type of Outing
- Multi-night backpack
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Talapus and Olallie Lakes
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Agency: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
- Trails: Talapus Lake (#1039)
- Avg Rating: 3.52
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Pratt Lake Basin
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
- Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie NF
- Trails: Pratt Lake (#1007)
- Avg Rating: 3.62
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Melakwa Lake
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- Snoqualmie Pass
- Agency: Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest, Snoqualmie Ranger District, North Bend office
- Trails: Melakwa Lake (#1011)
- Avg Rating: 3.96
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Denny Creek
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
- Agency: Snoqualmie Ranger District (425) 888-1421
- Trails: Denny Creek to Melakwa Lake (#1014)
- Avg Rating: 4.00
- Why You Should Go Now
- Wildflowers blooming
- Ripe berries
- Be Aware Of
- Bugs
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.
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.
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
Forgot your
New user?
