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| Headed down the closed roadway to the Denny Creek Trail-head. |
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| Mt. Baker- Snoqulamie National Forest |
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| Trail-head sign. |
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| Bridge crossing was a bit intimidating with all that snow. |
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| Philip looking up at the I-90 overpass. |
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| I-90 |
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| Philip, forging ahead trying to make a trail. |
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| Coming up to Denny Creek crossing. |
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| "Denny Creek may be cold, fast and deep due to late melting snow pack. Wet rocks are very slippery. Use Caution." |
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| Doesn't look like late melting snow pack is currently going to be an issue. |
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| Philip looks for the best way to cross Denny Creek. |
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| Keekwulee Falls |
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| Smiles come free with a beautiful hiking day! |
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| Denny Creek Crossing! |
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| Keekwulee Falls |
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| View up to Low Mountain. |
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| Low Mountain |
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| Denny Mountain and the Tooth. |
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| A must have for this hike in the winter! |
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| Snowshoe Falls with "The Tooth" in the background |
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| Looking Back on the I-90 Corridor. |
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| Denny Mountain |
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| Phillip! |
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| Me, taking a breaking after an exhausting avalanche shoot crossing. |
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| My new hiking partners, Scarpa Charmoz GTX Mountaineering boots! |
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| Headed back home. |
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| I love the tiny icicles that form from the water running over the rocks! |
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| Last view of the day! |
This was an amazing day! The sun was shining and I had a great hiking partner. We attempted to hike up to Melakwa Lake but despite our best efforts we didn't make it all the way to the lake. We had not anticipated the heavy snow pack and therefore had neglected to bring snowshoes. Snowshoes would have been immensely helpful as we were post-holing most of the way. But despite our difficulty the effort was worth it. We had beautiful views, sunshine and good laughs.
We pretty much lost the trail after crossing under the 1-90 bridge and then again after crossing Denny Creek. Fortunately, we had our map and compass to see us through. I definitely recommend checking the
avalanche forecast and
weather conditions on this hike during the winter as you do crossover a few avalanche chutes. Also an ice axe might come in pretty handy!
All in all though, even if you do not make it to the lake, the views of both Snowshoe Falls and Keekwulee Falls and surrounding mountains are worth the hike.
Start time: 9:43 am
End time: 4:44 pm
Total time: 7 hours 1 minute
Distance: 8.45 miles
Speed: 1.2 miles/hour
My Peak Elevation: 3,568 ft
Peak Elevation to Melakwa Lake: 4,600 ft
Elevation Gain to Melakwa Lake: 2,300ft
Driving Directions:
From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 47 (Asahel Curtis/Denny Creek). Turn left over the overpass and proceed to a T. Turn right and travel 0.25 mile to Denny Creek Road (FR 58). Turn left and drive approximately 2.5 miles, turning left on the paved road just after the Denny Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the road's end.
Please note: During the winter months the road is not plowed all the way to the trailhead. You will need to hike about a mile in to the trailhead.
That is amazing looking snow! We are finally getting some here in California. Where are your skis? That stuff looks skiable. Is there such a word? Some day I'll have to make it up that way and see some of that gorgeous scenery.
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