Melakwa Lake
A moderate/strenuous 9 mile hike with 2650 ft in elevation gain. The trail features a walk under I-90, Denny Creek waterslide, two waterfalls and a grand view of Chair Peak with a crystal water lake at it's base.
Temporary Closure
Effective 5/30/23 through November 2023: Forest Road 58, the Denny Creek Campground, Denny Creek Trailhead, Franklin Falls Trailhead, the Franklin Falls Trail, and the Wagon Road Trail are closed for construction of an expanded parking lot and new loop road. The area is expected to be open in late 2023 for winter recreation as well as during the summer of 2024.
getting there
Head east on I-90 from Seattle to exit 47 Denny Creek/Tinkham Road. At the exit, turn left and cross the freeway. After a quarter-mile turn right at the sign on Forest Road 58. After another quarter-mile, turn right. Continue 2.5 miles turn left past the Denny Creek Camp. Continue over the bridge. Past the bridge, it's a quarter-mile to the trailhead.
FOr leaders
Permit information
As of 2017, the Snoqualmie Ranger District considers Mountaineers trips and courses to be "nominal use". Leaders should print and copy this designation letter to show rangers they may see on trail or carry a digital copy on their phone.
- Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
- Seasons: July, August, September, October
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Difficulty: Moderate/Strenuous
- Length: 9.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft
- 4,600 ft
-
Land Manager:
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
- Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
- Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
- Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass Gateway No. 207S
- USGS Snoqualmie Pass
Upcoming Activities
CHS Tacoma August Hikes - Melakwa Lake
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