Hard Hike - Melakwa Lake

Challenging Hike to Melakwa Lake (Weather Dependent)

***I dont have a car so at least one attendee will have to have a car and drive the group. We will each pay you for gas.

Join Bellevue Ladies for a challenging hike to beautiful Melakwa Lake near Snoqualmie Pass!

This is a great opportunity to get a workout, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with other adventurous women.

Once you RSVP, if you are not already a member of the Bellevue Ladies Whatsapp group, please message me (Amanda Mansfield, host) your phone number so I can send you a link to the group. In the Hard Hikes chat within the Whatsapp group is where we will discuss hiking details.

Hike Details

***Destination: **Melakwa Lake, Snoqualmie Pass, WA
** *Distance: **Approximately 8.5 miles round trip
*** Elevation gain: **Approximately 2,700 feet
** *Difficulty: Hard / strenuous
*** Estimated hiking time: Approximately 5–7 hours, depending on group pace and trail conditions
*** Meeting Location: South Bellevue Park and Ride (we will meet there and carpool)
*** Driving time: Approximately 45 minutes from South Bellevue Park and Ride, depending on traffic

## Hiking Melakwa Lake

The way to Melakwa Lake is like two different trails: first a wide gentle trail through old growth forest beneath an elevated and noisy Interstate freeway. And second, a rocky steep trail that follows a waterfall and a precipitous gorge upstream to get to a pair of clear alpine lakes flanked by rocky peaks. Is it about the journey or the destination? You decide.

Start out from the Denny Creek trailhead on a wide trail that meanders through forest, with trees young and old. Due to its popularity, this part of the trail has been the focus of numerous trail maintenance outings, yet there are still rocks and roots to contend with; that’s just the nature of the terrain.

At a half mile, freeway noise peaks as you pass under the elevated span of eastbound Interstate 90. Then at just over 1 mile is a popular natural feature known by various names: the Denny Creek Water Slide, Slide Rock, the Slippery Slab. This is the destination for many families, for frolicking and/or picnicking on a hot summer day. If this is your destination, see our hiking guide entry for Denny Creek.

At the water slide, Denny Creek is posted as “Impassible During High Water”. In normal flows however, strategically placed rocks offer a dry crossing. The trail re-enters pleasant forest on the opposite side, marked by a sign on a large tree that reads “Main Trail”. A quarter mile from the water slide, the trail passes through an area of lush vegetation then breaks out into the open, revealing two tiers of Keekwulee Falls, the main drop falling 90 feet into a steep ravine. In the morning, the falls can be seen glinting in the sunlight.

Climb more earnestly after this point, alternating between open talus and forested shade. At 1.9 miles, hear Denny Creek echoing off the walls of its narrow gorge above Keekwulee Falls, finally drowning out freeway noise. At a couple of switchbacks, the trail offers views almost straight down for those who may want to peer down the steep walls.

At 2.25 miles, the trail levels off for 0.2 mile until it crosses gently gurgling Denny Creek on a footlog beside a huge cedar snag. The rest of the way to Hemlock Pass is steep as you alternate between talus and forest. In season, there may be few wildflowers blooming in this section. At 3.8 miles, top out at Hemlock Pass, 4600 feet. Continue the final 0.4 mile, losing 150 feet of elevation to arrive at the outlet of Melakwa Lake. A massive logjam offers one way to cross the outlet stream. Just on the other side is a popular gathering place for hikers and a signed trail to a privy. Enjoy the lake and wonder at the meaning of its name. Hint: “Melakwa” is Chinook for “mosquito”.

To get to the smaller Upper Melakwa Lake, continue 0.2 mile along the left side of the lake. Cross the stream connecting the two lakes to get to campsites on either lake, or to continue wandering, e.g. to Melakwa Pass.

On the return, remember to take the upper trail at the junction 100 feet past the logjam, to climb back up to Hemlock Pass.

Weather-Dependent Plan
November conditions in this area can change quickly. We will monitor the forecast, road access, and recent trail reports in the days leading up to the hike. If conditions are unsafe, we may substitute a lower-elevation hike or postpone the outing. The final decision will be based on current conditions, not just the forecast.

What to Bring

*Hiking boots or shoes with excellent traction

• Waterproof jacket and pants, plus warm layers
  *Plenty of water and lunch/snacks
• Trekking poles (strongly recommended)
  *Headlamp with fresh batteries
• Gloves, hat, and extra warm clothing
  *Microspikes or other traction devices if conditions warrant them

Who Should Join?
This hike is intended for hikers who are comfortable with sustained climbs, uneven terrain, and a full day on the trail. Please be confident in your ability to hike approximately 8.5 miles with 2,700 feet of elevation gain and to manage your own gear and pace.
We’ll regroup along the way and take breaks for snacks, photos, and enjoying the scenery. Please arrive prepared, check the event discussion for final updates, and RSVP only if you are comfortable with a strenuous hike in potentially cold, wet November conditions.

Come ready for a rewarding mountain adventure and a fun day with Bellevue Ladies!