Melakwa Lake — Monday, Dec. 1, 2025

Went for a mountain outing with a couple of hiking/climbing buddies today seeking something off I-90 with an early start before the precipitation started.  Chose Melakwa Lake because it seemed like a lake kind of day and it's a beautiful valley in the snow.  Started from the large upper parking lot (toilet's all closed) close to 7:30 and it was light out.  The parking lot was no longer icy but there's  still some rime ice on the wooden steps and branches so treaded carefully.  Walked the close to 0.5 mile to the actual trailhead and still no snow on the trail.  The trail in the woods leading to Denny Creek was frozen in places but not slippery.  We paused at the end of this trail to assess the log going over the creek.  As mentioned in previous reports it had an inch or so of ice/compact snow on it's surface so microspikes were a must (and poles help as 2 other points of contact for balance as it would be a bad mistake to fall into the creek/rocks below).  Our very tall companion opted to sit and scoot for part of the crossing.  Once on the other side we had spikes on all the way to the lake.  There is 6 inches or so of snow in the open areas and the trail was compacted down with some ice.  There is still water running in the creeks.  The second bridge has a railing but the log has about 3-4 inches of packed snow/ice so microspikes helped there too.  Continuing on up, the trail is so much nicer with snow both in softness to the step and the stunning surrounding terrain in that valley.  The low sunlight in the horizon was beautiful as well.  We continued on up with our spikes and poles.  There is 1 large tree down at about 4300 ft before Hemlock Pass which you can climb over.  Hemlock had 6 inches of snow.  The breeze kicked up here and it was cold.  Made our way down to the lake and crossed the big creek on the snow covered logs without difficulty (actually easier with the snow and spikes).  Stopped for a few at the first open area and decided to hike the boulder trail to the upper lake to get a good look at Kaleetan.  One member in our trio really wanted to summit but could have resulted in a long day with lessening sunlight and precipitation was on the way so we did not go to the summit.  That is one cool scramble tho as done in the past.  The lakes have a thin layer of ice over most of it (80%or so).  It was quiet and beautiful all around, especially Chair Peak.  Took a few more pix then started down.  The water falls were each running pretty strong with no visible ice on the rock.  I was really glad I brought an extra down jacket and snow mitts as it was really cold.  I wore high gaiters for foot warmth and protection from moisture.  The temps went up a little on our descent and the snow got a little stickier but no mud or wet snow to tread through.  The log crossing over Denny Creek was easier on our return.  And it was really cold the last mile or so in the woods back to the trailhead.  Precipitation started when we were on the highway.  In North Bend we looked back at the peaks and it appeared to be socked in a snowing in the Mailbox area.  Great outing with great friends planning future adventures.