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A trail with stunning views at Lake Melakwa.


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Map Key

4.4

Miles

7.1

KM

74%

Runnable

4,577' 1,395 m

High

2,290' 698 m

Low

2,362' 720 m

Up

146' 45 m

Down

11%

Avg Grade (6°)

49%

Max Grade (26°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Parking passes are required at most trailheads and sites in Washington State. You can purchase passes for National Forests online, at Forest Service offices, or from private retailers.
PARKING PASSES ACCEPTED AT NATIONAL FORESTS:
Northwest Forest Pass-Annual
America the Beautiful Interagency Annual Pass
National Forest Recreation Day Pass

Description

After crossing the creek, the trail starts a moderate ascent toward Hemlock Pass, passing a few waterfalls along the way. The route is steep as you alternate between talus and forest.

In the summer, you are likely to find wildflowers blooming in this section. Hemlock Pass tops out at 4,600 feet. The final stretch is a gentle descent to Melakwa Lake. Make your way around the left side of the lake to get to Upper Melakwa Lake.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can scramble up to the pass, though there is no maintained trail. It is a gentle climb up the talus slope to the obvious pass nestled between Chair and Kaleetan Peak. The views toward Snow Lake are phenomenal. Side note: Melakwa is Chinook for mosquito, so it's advisable to be prepared to encounter the pest along the way.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nessa Goldman with improvements by Matt Schonwald

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 14 votes

#8025

Overall
  4.1 from 14 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
29%
3 Star
21%
2 Star
7%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#344

in Washington

#8,025

Overall
4 Views Last Month
3,286 Since Jan 9, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

0%
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Photos

Enjoying the view down the Denny Creek drainage.
Sep 26, 2018 near Riverbend, WA
On the shores of Melakwa Lake, at the end of the Pratt River Trail.
Apr 11, 2019 near Riverbend, WA
Denny Creek cascades.
Sep 17, 2016 near Riverbend, WA
Denny Creek
Oct 6, 2020 near Riverbend, WA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Aug 16, 2024
Micah Humphrey
Completely socked in at the lake so no amazing views - but the actual trail experience was great - a few rocky places but overall a nice challenge 10mi — 2h 00m
Jul 13, 2019
Maureen Elizabeth
Melakwa to Pratt Lake traverse 13.8mi — 4h 00m
Sep 25, 2018
Vikram Sahney
Trail can be quite rocky. Hard to move at a good running speed even on the descent.
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