Kaleetan Peak — Sunday, Aug. 2, 2015

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Got an early start to make a nice loop route to the summit of Kaleetan Peak. Passing by the Denny water slide, Keekwulee Falls, Melakwa Lake with views of the Tooth and Chair Peak make this a highlights filled outing. Started at 7:30 from the trail head (can actually get a spot at this time). Made it to Melakwa Lake in an hour and a half, missed the start of the south ridge trail at the outhouse sign and continued up past the upper lake through the talus filled basin below Chair Peak. There is a trial and cairns for a while past the upper lake. Chose a chute up the SE face to ascend crossing some sketchy loose rock and heather before finding good solid 3rd/4th class rock to scramble up to the south ridge crest where I met up with the main trail just before the 3rd class scramble to the summit. Great views from the top (will edit and post video soon). The flying ants were kept at bay by a slight breeze. Summit is a beautiful high perch with distinctive views of Baker, Glacier, Stuart, and Rainier (can see summit marker with labels. Made it to the summit from the car in 2:37. Took the main trail on the way back meeting a nice family of mountain goats. Enjoyed berries on the rolling south ridge trail before climbing and dropping back into Melawka lake basin where I immediately dove in. By mid afternoon the lower stretch of trail and Denny water slide were packed with hikers. Clocked route at 11.6 miles 4,500' gain.

More Information on this Trip Report

• http://www.movescount.com/moves/move71405319
• http://botnw.com/trails/hiking-trails-by-location-season-difficulty/central-cascades-snoqualmie-pass/snoqualmie-summit-series-peak-trails/