Trail is open all the way to Melakwa Lake. This year's trail work is complete (other than a few survey posts that remain).
Parking lot is open. Automated pay station is broken. No option to pay with cash. You can use a QR code to download the Recreation.gov App, and then make an account / login (you will need access to your email) and pay and then write the confirmation code (you will need pen and paper) for your dash. Or better - get the NW Forest Pass before you arrive at the parking lot. Parking lot had at least 10 open spots at noon on this last sunny day of summer. But school is already in session, so crowds may be off peak.
The trail has been largely remade (earlier this summer by a work crew) between Keekwulee Falls and Hemlock Pass and is absolutely wonderful to hike on, as is the well-maintained trail throughout. See photo for an example of a new switchback corner.
Very little water at the Denny Creek Slide (just enough for a 10' rather bumpy butt water slide). That will change tonight with the big rain.
A handful of ripe huckleberries between Hemlock Pass and Melakwa Lake.
Comments
Hiker Rich on Melakwa Lake, Denny Creek
If you make your recreation.gov account ahead of time, you won't need to access the internet at the trailhead! Also this is the same account that you use to get a timed entry at Rainier.
Posted by:
Hiker Rich on Sep 22, 2025 07:11 AM
trillium on Melakwa Lake, Denny Creek
You will also need to buy your NW Forest Pass ahead of time. Merely having an account does not get you parking.
Posted by:
trillium on Sep 22, 2025 07:34 AM