Melakwa Lake Hike: Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Denny Creek

Somehow my first post on this hike got deleted so here's a quick rehash.

I had Friday off and needed to get up into the mountains. If you have read any of my posts then that last statement is pretty much how i start all my posts!! I'll think of something new to say next time, i promise. But this just goes to prove what my mindset is every time i head to the mountains.

The snow depth in the cascades was lacking and it was already the end of December. Therefore i grabbed my boots and drove to the Denny Creek Trail. With only 2 to 6 inches of snow on the trail from trailhead to Melakwa Lake, no snowshoes were needed. The snow made everything pristine!! 

The hike heads up and over Hemlock Pass and down to Melakwa Lake. Denny creek is always roaring beautifully with keekwulee falls a gem to gaze at. On a clear day several peaks sky above Melakwa Lake. I've heard the lake holds trout, but i got skunked without even touching the water with my pole. The ice was to thick to break through. Next time!!

Here's some pics and info, enjoy!

Interstate 90

Denny Creek

Heading up to Hemlock Pass

Staying warm at the lake

  

Keekwulee Falls

  

Trail Info:

Trail Number - #1014

Total Miles - 4.7 miles from trailhead to lake/ 9.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain - start 2300 ft/ 4500 at lake / 2200 total ft gained

trailhead - parking lot and bathrooms

viewing - waterfalls, subalpine, lake, fishing, Low Mountain, Hemlock Peak, Bryant Peak, Chair Peak, Kaleetan Peak

Wildlife seen - Chickadees

Adventures via Denny Creek Trail - Chair Peak lake, Lower Tuscohatchie lake, Peak bagging

Trail Condition - The first 1/2 was excellent but after that i have no idea because of snow on trail

Map - Green Trails Map 207S

Fishing - Rumor has is the lake has trout

Camping - No camping at the lake

Fires - 

Permits - Northwest Forest Pass required

Directions - From I-90 take exit 47. Take an left to go over the overpass is coming eastbound. Take a right if coming westbound. Next take a right on forest road 5800. Follow for a little while and pass Denny creek campground. Next take a left soon after passing the campground and your there.

GET OUT THERE!!!