Melakwa Lake was my first favorite hike in WA after venturing past Si/Tiger many years ago and is still on the list. Grande variation of scenes: I-90 from hundreds of feet below, Denny Water Slide, time in woods, two different cliff lined valleys, waterfall, several uphill climbs, and of course two gorgeous Lakes. Do not skip going to the second lake; it's a short walk along the near shore of the first lake.
This trail does get wildly crowded so if you go on weekends, go very very early.
It can be extended by either continuing upward from the second lake to Melakwa Pass with a view northward and down into Snow Lake. Just head to the grove of trees above and traverse thru them along the creek bed that runs down the middle. Then head for the rock prow up ahead and go to the left of it until you see a dirt trail into the woods that takes you the rest of the way. I've done that several times in the past.
Today, I took the climbing route to Kaleetan Peak with the plan of just going as far as either a technical area or the portion where you drop down right before that. I was surprised how far you can go on a dirt climbers path. Follow the toilet sign from the day area, and at the second sign just continue upwards and along the ridge towards the peak. Not much views at first but then broke out into a long boulder field with dirt trail thru the heather growing along it. Got to the peak that had a huge 3 foot cairn built. The trail after that drops down, crosses a boulder field, and then climbs up to the summit. From the high spot just past the huge cairn, I had a 340 degree view, blocked only by Kaleetan Peak itself. Could see Defiance, Granite, Rampart, Kendall garden, Lake Keechelus, Glacier, Rainier. The climber route reminded me of Snoqualmie Mountain. Last Water was at Melakwa.
On the way back, took the turnoff and dropped down to the secluded waterfall on the way back and took a dip.
Comments
Kit Swartz on Melakwa Lake, Kaleetan Peak
Thanks for the report. Trying to find out more about the secluded waterfall you and some others have mentioned. Does it have a name, and how would I find it on the trai? Thanks
Posted by:
Kit Swartz on Aug 30, 2018 02:10 PM
the falls
It is the big waterfall you can see from the trail. It is either keekwulee falls, or snowshoe falls. Just keep an eye out on the right as you are across from the falls and a bit higher, there is a trail off to the right that is by a heavily rotted, large log that runs along the trail and just before the trail switchbacks and moves leftward. It is a very short, dirt trail fairly steep. But not any kind of dangerous bouldering or exposure. It is just a minute or so to follow it down to the large ledge area above the big falls. You're above the big falls, and there is a smaller falls with a nice pool that you can get to by just crossing the shelf area. That area is real peaceful.
Posted by:
granitemountain on Aug 30, 2018 04:24 PM
Kit Swartz on Melakwa Lake, Kaleetan Peak
Sounds great, I'll definitely check it out. Thanks so much!
Posted by:
Kit Swartz on Aug 31, 2018 07:37 AM