Melakwa Lake, WA | One of the Best Hikes Near Snoqualmie Pass
If you're looking for an unforgettable day hike that is a bit of a challenge near Snoqualmie Pass, look no further than Melakwa Lake. Tucked away in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, this trail delivers a little bit of everything: lush vegetation, sweeping views of the valley below, forests, gorgeous rivers and waterfalls, a natural rock waterslide, rugged rocky terrain, and a jaw-dropping alpine lake framed by dramatic peaks.
Melakwa Lake Trail Overview
- Trail Name: Melakwa Lake via Denny Creek Trail
- Location: Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA
- Distance: Approximately 9.7 miles round trip (based on Gaia GPS)
- Elevation Gain: 2,967 ft
- Difficulty: Hard
- Parking Pass Required: Access with either a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass
- Dogs: Allowed on leash
- Backpacking: Yes, at Established Campsites
- Trailhead: Denny Creek Trailhead (Exit 47 off I-90)
- Trail Number: #1011
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Region: Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
- Toliet: Toilet at trailhead
Melakwa Lake Trailhead Parking
The Melakwa Lake hike begins at the Denny Creek Trailhead, located just off I-90 Exit 47 (Denny Creek/Tinkham Road). This trailhead serves several popular hikes, including Franklin Falls, so parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during the summer months.
The parking area consists of multiple lots with space for about 170 vehicles total. Despite its size, the lots often reach capacity by mid-morning, so arriving early is your best bet to secure a spot and avoid stress.
Important: Roadside parking along Forest Road 58 or near freeway ramps is prohibited, so don’t risk parking illegally if the lots are full. It’s better to have a backup plan or consider an alternate trail.
Also, since this is a busy trailhead with multiple access points, double-check trail signs to ensure you’re on the correct route to Melakwa Lake.
Parking Pass Required
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During most of the year, you will need a Northwest Forest Pass or an America the Beautiful Pass to park here.
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If you don’t have an annual pass, you can purchase a day-use pass online ahead of time and print it out at home—just make sure to display it clearly on your dashboard before hitting the trail.
- In the winter months, a Sno-Parks Permit (snow parks permit) is required for parking, as this area is popular for winter recreation as well.
If you don’t have a valid pass, there’s an electronic payment station at the trailhead where you can purchase a day permit. Make sure to display your permit clearly on your dashboard, as parking enforcement is active, and fines are issued for violations.
Are There Toilets at Melakwa Lake?
If you’re wondering about restroom facilities on the Melakwa Lake hike, you’ll find a vault toilet at the Denny Creek Trailhead, perfect for a quick stop before or after your hike.
Once you get to Melakwa Lake itself, there’s a very primitive, open-air pit toilet tucked off the lakeside trail to the left. It’s basically just a simple wooden box in the woods—no walls, no roof, just a basic spot to do your business in the backcountry style. So if you’re not comfortable with that kind of setup, plan accordingly.
There are no other toilets along the trail, so use the facilities at the trailhead or the lake if you need to.
Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles when using backcountry restrooms or going off-trail: pack out all toilet paper and waste, or dig a cathole at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Bringing a trowel and biodegradable wipes is always a good idea.
Hiking To Melakwa Lake
Mile 0–1 | Forest Road Walk & Interstate Bridge
Your adventure actually begins before you even set foot on the trail. From the Franklin Falls parking lot, walk past the Franklin Falls trail entrance on your right and continue straight past the yellow gate that blocks vehicle access. You’ll cross a concrete bridge over Denny Creek—look down to see the gorgeous blue-green water rushing below.
From here, follow the gravel Forest Road 5830 past a few charming cabins until you reach the Denny Creek Trailhead, the official start of the Melakwa Lake hike. The trail begins gently, winding through lush vegetation and pockets of old-growth forest.
Not long into your hike, you’ll pass under the towering span of I-90. It’s loud for a moment, but it’s also a unique sight to see the highway far above your head. As you move away from the road noise, you’ll hear Denny Creek alongside you. You will also cross it several times via wooden bridges. Gradually, the trail gains elevation, with occasional viewpoints through the trees of the creek’s vibrant waters. In July and August, keep an eye out for sweet trail-side treats—wild Cascade blueberries and huckleberries.
Mile 1 | Denny Creek Waterslide
Just over a mile in, you’ll arrive at the well-loved Denny Creek Waterslide—also known as Slide Rock or Slippery Slab. This smooth rock slope has been naturally polished by the creek, creating a fun summer spot where kids and families splash and play in the chilly water. It’s the busiest section of the trail, but once you pass it, the crowds thin out and the real journey to Melakwa Lake begins.
If you’re only hiking to the waterslide, it’s about 2 miles round trip with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain—a short, family-friendly outing.
To continue to Melakwa Lake, cross Denny Creek using the log bridge just above the flowing blue-green river and follow the trail as it heads deeper into the forest.
Mile 1.5–2.5 | Keekwulee Falls & Steeper Climb
Shortly after crossing the creek, you'll be treated to views of Keekwulee Falls, a gorgeous two-tiered cascade. This section starts to climb more steeply and alternates between talus slopes and shaded forest. The freeway noise finally fades out around here.
Mile 2.5–3.8 | The Big Push to Hemlock Pass
From here, the trail really begins to gain some elevation. The grade steepens, the rocks get bigger, and you’ll find yourself weaving through a mix of switchbacks, talus slopes, and narrow forest paths. In places, the trail cuts across open boulder fields where you can pause to take in sweeping views of the valley below, framed by ridgelines and evergreens.
Depending on the season, this section can be incredibly lush—towering lady ferns crowd the trail edges, and bursts of wildflowers in every shade from yellow to purple brighten the landscape. The climb feels relentless at times, with short reprieves in shaded forest before popping back out into rocky clearings.
At about 3.8 miles, you’ll crest Hemlock Pass (4,600 ft), a major milestone and the high point of the trail. It’s a satisfying moment to stop, catch your breath, and soak in the alpine air. From here, the final leg is much easier—just 0.4 miles downhill, losing about 150 feet of elevation, to reach the outlet of Melakwa Lake. As you descend, the sound of rushing water grows louder, and soon the trees open up to reveal the turquoise waters you’ve worked so hard to reach.
Mile 3.8–4.2 | Melakwa Lake!
After the pass, you’ll drop about 150 ft in elevation and finally reach the shores of Melakwa Lake—and wow, the view! The lake is an icy blue-green and surrounded by rugged cliffs and peaks, including Chair Peak. This is a perfect spot to relax, eat lunch, and take in the alpine air. We spotted several fish swimming in the crystal clear blue water. I highly recommend taking the lake shore path to Upper Melakwa Lake as well. The views walking alongside the lake are absolutely stunning.
Upper Melakwa Lake
If you still have energy, continue about 0.2 miles along the left side of the lake to reach Upper Melakwa Lake. It’s quieter, less crowded, and just as beautiful. I highly recommend walking along the lakeshore of Melakwa Lake to Upper Melakwa. It is worth the extra bit of walking. The views along the side of the lake and walking around Upper Melakwa lake is absoulty gorgeous.
🏕 Can You Camp at Melakwa Lake?
Yes! Melakwa Lake is a popular overnight spot for backpackers and makes for a stunning alpine camping destination in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. You don’t need to reserve a site ahead of time—just fill out a free, self-issue wilderness permit at the trailhead before starting your hike.
There are roughly 15 established campsites scattered around the lake, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early on summer weekends to secure a spot, and remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve this special place for future visitors.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Melakwa Lake Trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Melakwa Lake Trail, making it a fantastic adventure to share with your four-legged hiking buddy. Just keep in mind a few important guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect wildlife, other hikers, and your pup. The trail is long, rocky, and can be steep in places, so make sure your dog is up for the challenge and bring plenty of water for them. And of course, always clean up after your dog to help preserve the pristine beauty of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. By following these simple rules, you and your furry friend can fully enjoy the stunning forest, waterfalls, and alpine views this hike has to offer.
Our Hiking Stats (Gaia GPS)
- Distance: 9.69 mi
- Total Time: 6h 47m
- Moving Time: 5h 39m
- Pace: 42:01 min/mi
- Stopped Time: 1h 7m
- Ascent: 2,967 ft
- Descent: 2,929 ft
We took our time with plenty of breaks, photos, and a long lunch at the lake.
🧭 Want Our GPX Track?
Planning your own hike to Melakwa Lake? We’ve got you covered!
Click the link below to view or download our GPX track on Gaia GPS and follow the exact route we took:
Getting There
From Seattle, head east on I-90 and take Exit 47 (Denny Creek/Tinkham Road). Cross over the freeway, turn right onto Forest Road 58, and continue about 2.9 miles. You'll pass Denny Creek Campground before reaching the large parking area on the right.
The Melakwa Lake hike shares the same parking lot as the Franklin Falls Trail. On Google Maps, it may even be labeled as Franklin Falls Parking Lot. To reach Melakwa Lake from here, walk past the Franklin Falls trail entrance, cross the bridge, and continue along Forest Road 5830 until you reach the Denny Creek Trailhead sign. From there, follow the Denny Creek Trail past the waterslide area and onward toward Melakwa Lake.
There’s a vault toilet at the trailhead and an electronic kiosk if you need to pay for a pass. Parking fills fast, so get there early if you're hiking on a weekend.
Trail Conditions + Tips
- The trail was in good shape overall, but rocky and steep in several sections.
- We saw a few muddy spots and downed trees but nothing impassable.
- Trekking poles were super helpful for both the climb and the descent.
- Download your maps ahead of time—cell signal was spotty.
✅ What to Pack
- 2–3L of water (or a filter to refill at the lake)
- High-energy snacks + lunch
- Trekking poles
- Bug spray ("Melakwa" means mosquito in Chinook jargon—no joke!)
- Sunscreen + hat
- Offline trail map (we used Gaia GPS)
Guidebooks & Maps
55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass
Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region: Cascade Foothills * I90 Corridor * Alpine Lakes, 2nd Edition
Snoqualmie Gateway, WA No. 207S (Green Trails Maps)
Day Hiking Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass Gateway, WA No. 207SXL
Day Hiking: Snoqualmie Region
Final Thoughts
Melakwa Lake is hands-down a gorgeous and rewarding day hike near Snoqualmie Pass. It’s got a little bit of everything from stunning forests, sweeping vistas, unique natural rock waterslides, to jaw-dropping, stunning alpine lakes surrounded by jagged mountain peaks. If you’re up for a challenge and want a full-day adventure in Washington State, this hike should definitely be on your list.
Have you hiked to Melakwa Lake? Let us know in the comments below or tag us in your photos @adventurehiketravel!
Looking for another alpine lake adventure? Check out our guide to Lake Ingalls and Headlight Basin!
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