Melakwa Lake and Denny Creek Waterslide
Follow this route past the popular Denny Creek Waterslide up to a sheltered alpine lake.
Total Distance: 8.5 miles
Total Ascent: 2300ft
Highest Point: 4600ft
Total Ascent: 2300ft
Highest Point: 4600ft
To get there, take I-90 to Exit 47 and head left over the freeway to a signed "T". Take a right here, heading under the freeway for about a 1/2 mile to find FR 58. Head left on FR58 for a few miles to Denny Creek Campground. Just past the entrance to the campground take a left onto Road No. 5830 to find the trailhead and parking located at the end of the road. View Google Directions >>
From the trailhead, follow the Denny Creek Trail #1014 along wide, very well-trodden trail. Cross Denny Creek over a sturdy bridge and work toward the the freeway. Pass under the causeway at 0.5 mile and veer up into the creek valley, every step leaving the noise a little farther behind.
Reunite with the creek at the wilderness boundary at 0.9 miles followed soon after by the Denny Creek Waterslide 1.1 miles. There is no bridge here, though crossing during the summer should not pose much challenge. Across the creek, the trail continues through sheltering forest before leaving the trees for expansive meadows. At 1.7 miles, find lovely views of Keekwulee Falls.
From the falls, the trail steeply switchbacks through talus and occasional patches of trees. The trail momentarily relents to cross Denny Creek once again on a log bridge before again switchbacking up to Hemlock Pass at 3.8 miles. From the pass, drop slightly for another 0.4 mile to Melakwa Lake.There's a lot more to Melakwa Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
Reunite with the creek at the wilderness boundary at 0.9 miles followed soon after by the Denny Creek Waterslide 1.1 miles. There is no bridge here, though crossing during the summer should not pose much challenge. Across the creek, the trail continues through sheltering forest before leaving the trees for expansive meadows. At 1.7 miles, find lovely views of Keekwulee Falls.
From the falls, the trail steeply switchbacks through talus and occasional patches of trees. The trail momentarily relents to cross Denny Creek once again on a log bridge before again switchbacking up to Hemlock Pass at 3.8 miles. From the pass, drop slightly for another 0.4 mile to Melakwa Lake.There's a lot more to Melakwa Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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