Winter Hike to Melakwa Lakes Washington

A beautiful hike on the west side of Snoqualmie Pass in the Snoqualmie National Forest. The trailhead is located 3 miles off of I-90. Normally, this trail is not a good winter hike, as you traverse 4 avalanche fields. However, there was very little snow below 6-7,000 ft elevation today, making the avalanche risk very low. The trail was very icy, so we used YakTrax or Microcleats.We hiked 9 miles round trip with about 2400 ft elevation gain.

This trail crosses Denny Creek many times. Sometimes on nice bridges, other times on narrow logs and others, stepping over the rocks. One mile up the trail, you cross at the Denny Creek waterside (a very popular place in the summer) by stepping on the rocks. Here you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

 The trail begins to climb and you pass Keekwulee Falls (125 ft) a short way up the trail.
























The trail alternates between steep and more gentler climbing sections. About 3 miles into the trail, steep switchbacks take you up to Hemlock Pass (at 4600 ft),on the way up look back at the views to the south, as the trees at the pass block the view.

Hemlock pass takes you to the west side of the ridge line and gently descends 100 ft down to the lakes. About 0.5 miles along the trail dives, the steep trail down to the left goes to Tuscohatchie Lake. Our trail goes slightly to the right.

There are logs across the water flowing out of Lower Melakwa Lake, cross these if you want to continue to Upper Melakwa Lake.

But first take in the views surrounding Lower Melakwa Lake.

The trail to Upper Melakwa Lake, is on the west shore of Lower Melakwa Lake. The two lakes are separated by a small stand of trees.

We found a wonderful sunny spot on the shore of Upper Melakwa Lake. Perfect for enjoying the gorgeous views.

The sun continued to shine, as we hiked back along the trail the way we came. (Here hiking along the shore of Lower Melakwa Lake)

What a wonderful start to a New Year!