Snow Lake
3 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice present
9 this month · 233 reports
Melakwa Lake
Snoqualmie Region
updated 1 week ago
The trail to Melakwa Lake is experiencing intermittent snow, particularly around 3600 feet and above, with some reports suggesting it's not difficult to cross as of October 31 and November 1. However, the trail is described as rocky and challenging, especially sections with broken slate, which may be hard on paws for dogs. The log crossing over Denny Creek can be hazardous, particularly with colder temperatures making it slippery. The road to the trailhead is suitable for all vehicles. Parking at the trailhead is generally plentiful, though it's a popular spot.
Generated from 136 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.
As of October 31, snow was intermittent starting around 3600 feet, becoming more covered higher up but compacted. By November 1, snow was intermittent and not hard to cross, though conditions are expected to change rapidly with temperature drops.
The trail is characterized by rocky terrain, including broken slate and talus slopes, which can be challenging. Some recent trail work has been noted, making sections more manageable.
There is a log crossing over Denny Creek that has been described as dicey, especially in colder temperatures that make it slippery. The lake level was noted as low with no outflow in August 28.
The trailhead has a large, recently updated parking lot with ample space, even during peak times. Toilets are available but can be full or have an odor.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Keep in mind that the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead and back adds about 1 mile to the overall hike. I read that it is great for dogs, not sure I agree as the broken slate for much of the ...
Recent1 week ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
First winter wonderland of the season. The snow was lovely today, especially in the morning. As expected, by the time we were heading down some of the trail was turning to slush and the tree 'bombs' b...
Recent3 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Perfect sunny day for hiking to the Melakwa Lake and Upper Melakwa Lake. Very few others on the trail. Vine maples have lost their leaves; so, not much autumn color. But the variety of terrain & scene...
Recent4 weeks ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Fun fall hike with fabulous fungi, cool waterfall and a fantastic reflecting lake!We arrived around 9 am to a large, almost empty paved parking lot, toilets available. The trail is well maintained wit...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
We dropped a car at Denny Creek and then headed up the pass to start at Alpental. Hit the trail at 7:30 a.m. to get out ahead of the crowds. Beautiful morning...trail to Snow lake is in great shape ...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
I hadn't been up this trail since the massive new parking lot went in. Lots of free spots at 11:15 when we arrived. Lots of and stocked bathrooms with no lines. There were relatively few hikers on ...
Older1 month ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
I’ve been to Franklin Falls several times, but somehow never crossed the bridge at the beginning of the Franklin Falls trail to venture toward Denny Creek.Today was the first time.It’s a harder hike t...
Older1 month 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...
Older1 month 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,...