Snow Lake
1 week ago
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Melakwa Lake
Snoqualmie Region
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Melakwa Lake is in good condition, with no snow reported and the road suitable for all vehicles. Recent trail work has improved tread and cleared brush, making for a pleasant hike. Fall colors are beginning to appear, with vine maples being particularly vibrant as of September 9. The lake itself was reported to be at a low level as of August 28, with water temperatures being a little cooler than tepid according to a report from August 10. Parking at the Denny Creek trailhead is ample, though it can fill up on weekends, with reports recommending arriving early on Saturdays September 18 and August 15.
Generated from 129 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Melakwa Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The trail to Melakwa Lake is generally in good condition, with recent trail work clearing brush and improving tread. As of September 18, there are no snow concerns. Some rocky sections are present, especially in the upper portions, and sturdy footwear is recommended. There are also occasional avalanche deposit crossings which require care.
Fall colors are beginning to show, with reports noting vibrant vine maples as of September 9. Fireweed, treacleberries, and tansies were also noted as trailside highlights in late August. While not yet at peak, the colors are developing and noticeable.
The lake level was reported as low as of August 28. Creek crossings are generally easy due to low water levels as of September 9 and August 20. A log bridge across Denny Creek at the slide area had washed out, but debris now serves as a makeshift crossing, and the creek is easily fordable.
The Denny Creek trailhead parking lot is described as expansive and generally has plenty of space, though it can fill up on weekends, with earlier arrivals recommended September 18 and August 15. The vault toilets at the parking lot are functional, and the vault toilet at the actual Denny Creek trailhead is also now open.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Perfect Fall weather for a hike to Melakwa. I had not been at the trailhead since the 2023 parking lot update and was impressed with the size relative to the old Denny Creek Trailhead. Plenty of space...
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
What started as a two night out to Kaleetan Lake turned into an overnighter at Lower Tuscohatchie due to a late start and a sick hiking partner. I got a late start on Monday from the Denny Creek parki...
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
This trip report is for the "tour de Alpine Lakes" lollypop: Start at Denny Creek / Franklin falls trailhead, then visiting the following lakes, in that order: Melakwa Lake, Chair Peak Lake, Gem Lake,...
Recent2 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Arrived at the trailhead around 8:45am on a sunny Wednesday. The large parking lot was mostly empty but there were a number of people getting ready to start their hikes. The vault toilets were rathe...
Recent2 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Another great trail. It’s a bit rocky after the creek which given its 9 miles of you ventured to the far side of the lake, it’s long and hard. I went with 2 fabulous volunteer rangers and carried a sh...
Recent3 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
A great first time on the Melakwa Lake trail. This is a Goldilocks hike: away from the city but not too far away, long but not too long, decent elevation gain but not too steep, popular but not too cr...
Recent4 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
There is NO outflow from the lake because the level of the lake is so low. (I’ve never seen this before.) The lake was also pretty warm though I didn’t take a dip as others did. We lunched on the sout...
Recent4 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Found your Invisalign left it with a pile of lost and found at the trailhead map.
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
My son (14) and I parked at the Denny Creek trailhead at 7:30am. We only met 1 fellow hiker on the way up to the lake. The trail is in excellent condition and all the creeks/streams are running at ex...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Posting this for others like me who are wimps in the heat! I did this trail for the first time today and was very pleasantly surprised. At about 1.5 miles the sunny exposed rocky sections start, but t...