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Melakwa Lake

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Melakwa Lake is located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, surrounded by forested terrain and mountain views. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 70°F in summer. Nearby attractions include the Denny Creek Trailhead and Snoqualmie Pass, offering hiking and outdoor activities.

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Location

Melakwa Lake is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Seattle, head east on I-90 to exit 47 Denny Creek/Tinkham Road. At the top of the exit ramp, turn left and cross over the freeway. Go 0.2 miles and turn right at the stop sign onto Forest Road 58. The road crosses under the freeway, after driving 0.2 miles, turn left. Continue straight on for 2.9 miles and about a half mile past the Denny Creek Campground there is a large paved parking lot on the right that can accommodate about 60 cars. The trailhead can be accessed via a trail that begins near the bulletin board in the parking lot. The Denny Creek parking restrooms are closed, but the restrooms at Franklin Falls are available to hikers. There is ADA parking available nearer the Franklin Falls trailhead. Be sure to have a placard; parking patrols are on and will ticket violaters.

Coordinates

47.44876854 N
121.46875475 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

Contact

General Info


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1 Review

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2021

Beautiful and buggy

Melakwa means mosquito and they are not kidding- you have been warned! If you can deal with the bugs though this lake is STUNNING. In July there was still ice on the lake, which is at 4500ft. The hike up from deny creek with a full pack is not easy either- especially crossing the large talus fields. The lake is worth it though and the trout were jumping some, bring your fishing pole! No camp fire allowed.

Sitea nice clear space near the trail entrance to the lake.
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Melakwa Lake by Alex T., July 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Melakwa Lake by Alex T., July 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Melakwa Lake by Alex T., July 15, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots at Melakwa Lake?

The best camping spots at Melakwa Lake are found around the perimeter of this stunning alpine lake, with several flat areas suitable for tents. The most desirable spots are on the northern and eastern shores where you can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. At 4,500 feet elevation, the area features pristine scenery but limited established sites. Be prepared to search a bit for the perfect spot, especially during peak summer weekends. Remember that camping here requires proper backcountry ethics - use existing sites when possible and camp at least 200 feet from the shoreline to minimize environmental impact.

Is fishing allowed at Melakwa Lake and what species can be caught?

Fishing is allowed at Melakwa Lake, which is home to alpine trout species. The lake's high elevation (4,500ft) and cold waters create a challenging but rewarding fishing environment. A valid Washington state fishing license is required. The lake remains partially frozen into July some years, which can affect fishing conditions early in the season. Pack lightweight fishing gear as this is a backpacking-only destination. For the best experience, practice catch and release to help preserve the fish population in this fragile alpine ecosystem.

How do I access the Melakwa Lake trailhead and what's the hike difficulty?

The Melakwa Lake trailhead is located at the Denny Creek trailhead off I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass. The hike is challenging, covering approximately 8.5 miles round trip with 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The trail includes moderately steep sections and a large talus field crossing that requires careful footing. This is a difficult trek with full backpacking gear. The path follows Denny Creek initially before climbing steadily through forest and alpine terrain. Most hikers should plan for 4-5 hours to reach the lake. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for parking at the trailhead, and wilderness camping permits may be needed depending on the season.