Melakwa Lake, Denny Creek — Friday, Nov. 14, 1997

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Anyone who stayed in doors this day and didn't have to should be approached with wonder. Sunny, unseasonably warm, and a great trail. Although a popular trail, this was my first time to hike it. We arrived at the trailhead at 8:30. There were two other cars in the parking lot. It was pretty cold but we warmed up quick with the uphill grade. It was amazing to go under a freeway in such a beautiful forest. When they built this one they must have not been so clearcut crazy as now. The creek was not difficult to cross although we studied it some first. [On the way back we found it very easy since the ice had melted off the rocks.] We soon reached the switchbacks and the view of the falls with some ice hanging from it. The boulder fields were a little intimidating with the recent fatal accident from a rock slide. We did get to see some pica's. Heard a lot more than we saw. We also fed the camp robbers. Lucky for me, my friend Pat is a birder so she was able to point out chickadee's, varied thrashers, and several others I can't remember. The lower lake was beautiful in the sun in spite of the very chilly wind blowing at us as we rounded the turn. There was a layer of ice around the edges of the upper and lower lakes. We found a nice spot beside the upper lake for lunch. We looked up toward the pass and would have gone to check out the view if it wasn't so late, both in the afternoon and in the year. It's hard to get used to the dark arriving at 4:30 and 5:00 in the mountains now. At the lower lake we were greatly entertained by an American Dipper diving at the edge of the ice. I have often watched them in the fast current of the rivers. Amazing little creatures. By the time we reached the lake the crowds were begining to catch up with us. In all we counted 72 other people and 4 dogs on the trail by the end of the day. We had to climb over 3 logs and scoot under one. With the exception of the logs the trail seemed to be in fairly good shape. With all the people it is amazing to me that it looks so good. So glad we made it out last weekend, as the weather is the pits this weekend. Time to think Christmas and snowshoeing. Still work parties available if you beg, I am sure. Have a great holiday season. See you in the new year.