I haven’t done Melakwa Lake in about 3-4 years. Today was the perfect day to do it. Last weeks hike on the Iron Goat Trail was great, but not strenuous enough. Today I got more real exercise. I had expected to have a real tough hike, but it turned out to be a lot easier than I remember it from before. I got up at 6, did some company business on the computer, fixed myself the usual oatmeal, and packed up and left the house at 7:45.
The trailhead starts near Denny Creek campground, ext 47 off I-90. I started hiking at 8:15 and just kept a steady pace without too many breaks. It was early enough that there weren’t too many people. That would change however. It was also nice and cool in the woods, maybe mid 50’s, +/- a few degrees. That ALSO would change.
The first mile is a great start – relatively easy, slowly climbing up under the westbound I-90 overpass that comes down from Snoqualmie Pass. Its a good way to warm up. At about the 1 mile point you have to cross Denny Creek again. The foot bridge from last time apparently was washed away, now with low water fortunately, one can cross easily on some logs. Higher water might not be possible. This point is also quite popular with families in hot weather as a ‘beach’ for people to relax on a smooth flat rock in the sun, and play in the river water. There wasn’t anyone there that early, I kept going.
The next mile changes from easy smooth trail to more moderate steep rocky narrow path. It is also more exposed in the sun, and I heated up quickly. A dozen or so small switchbacks and I arrive at a “crest” of sorts, the beginning of a new valley to climb. From this crest it eases down to where I cross Denny Creek again, this time on a flat log. Its a pleasant place to rest but I didn’t feel the need to. From here it starts another easy climb on fairly smooth trail, slowly changing to steeper and rockier. More steps on the rocks to climb rather than walking. Not too much of the rock was loose, but my hiking poles weren’t much help going up or coming down. One wrong placement and the pole might twist and bend in half.
Again lots of rocky switchbacks, this time with lots of bugs. Not too many mesquitos but tons of flies.The trail changed from damp to dusty back to damp again constantly. Not muddy though. A few people passed me by on the way up but not too many. A few were heading down after camping overnight. I figured the lake would be crowded.
After a tougher climb up to the final crest, it was another half mile easing down to the lake.There were a few campers around, but not too many. It was 10:30 when I got there, so 2.25 hours for 4.5 miles. I kept going to upper Melakwa lake where I assumed it would be quieter. It was. I found a large flat rock to rest on, and took off my boots and socks and laid down in the sun to cool and dry off. I was quite sweaty by that point, although the temp out was probably low 70’s. Sun and slight breeze combined to be very refreshing. I rested from 10:45 to 12:15, took a couple pics and ate my sandwiches.
By about noon, more people were arriving and it was getting noisier. One or two people are fairly quiet, but groups of 4 and up are certain to be more talkative and excited and loud. By 12:15 I’d had enough and put my boots back on and slowly headed back around the lake and to the trail. By this time, LOTS of people were arriving or heading up as I headed down. It would be crowded there today, and I’m glad I came early.
I got back to the trailhead at 2:15 which made it 6 hours exactly start to finish. While I and my feet were tired, it wasn’t as bad as I expected, and after a brief rest at home, I got the lawn mowed. NOW as I type this, I’m feeling more tired out. Early to bed tonight.