Melakwa Lake

Hiked this today begining at 10am. 2 people at trailhead, didn't see anyone rest of day. Trail is a lot different in the winter from the summer, it seems to take an entirely different route. As of today that route is certainly longer and more expert rated, though not dangerous by any means. Summer time ive done this hike up and down in 4 hours, today it took longer than that just on the way up. Winter trail ends at lookout ABOVE lake and doenst reach Mekwala. Descending to the lake is approx 700 icy feet in less than .3 miles and while certainly dangerous, it can be done without equipment. Lake was frozen over and covered by snow, though if you make it the entire approx 61/2 miles (one way) its well worth the trek. 4.5h up, 2.5h down (slidding!) (no apparent winter trail connects to lower Touchite lake, as is in the summer)

Hiked this lake in 1968 with two friends. Spent three nights at the lake and never saw a soul - imagine that. Caught a ton of fisha, don't recall any bugs to speak of.

Hiked the Melakwa Lake trail with our two standards Storm and Bear on October 11th 2008. A Perfect day, we bumped into a couple from Ketchikan Alaska, how cool is that!

This is an awesome hike that gives you a little of everything.   Some of the hike is inside woods, some runs along open cliff lined valleys.  There are two portions w/ significant climbs, several portions that are slightly uphill.  Some of trail is bare dirt, some dirt w/ rocks, some is entirely bouldering.  Views of waterfalls (after you pass the view and head back into the woods, look for a trail just up hill above a long log on the right that drops down to the falls).  The view at the lake is great.  About a 2 hour hike w/ a swift pace.The snow is gone except for a few patches you hike over.  For a longer hike, ascend the boulder field above the upper lake towards Melakwa pass.   Near the pass, it gets very steep, head into the woods where there is a trail.

One warning, parking is very limited so if you go on a weekend, get there before 8 or you'll be sorry and probably going elsewhere.

The only tricky part of this trial is if you want to loop around the lake (lots of loose large rocks).  Otherwise, it is a pretty mellow hike.  I gave it 3 stars because of the distance rather than the terrain.  My 132lb dog did this with a 10lb pack on without any problems.  I may look to camp at the lake in the future.  Nice spot.

We went on the hike in Mid-July 2007. This was by far the worst hike I have ever been on.  Though scenic, the first mile or so is filled with slow hikers, and families with kids being very inconsiderate on the trail.  After a mile, a clearing opens into a stream with rocks, and the kids congregate here.  It looks like a McD's Playground in the wilderness.  After you get pass this, the trail starts to steepen and opens up into a beautiful waterfall.  This was the best place on the whole trip. After continuing what seemed like forever, you come to a place where you think the lake would be, but you aren't even close.  It was very hot and crossing the field of boulders was intense in the heat.  Shortly after the boulder field came the mosquitos and deer flies.  They were so thick you couldn't stop on the trail to get water without being swarmed.  The lake was pretty, though far too many people, and campers to really enjoy any peace.  If you're going to attempt this hike, go early in the morning before the crowds hit, and wear bug repellent.  The trail itself, though rocky in many places, was not that difficult.  Also, if you don't arrive early there is no parking and will add at least an extra .5 mile to get to the trailhead.  Good luck!

July 15, 2007  Seven men in two groups made the trek to Malakwa Lake.  Youngest about 45, oldest 84.  Only two did not get to the lake, those who did, some of us swam in ice cold water, a memorable experience.  The lake water is so clear you can see the bottom, and dive from the first big rock straight ahead as you approach the lake.  We inspired a half dozen to swim, no regrets, the sun dried us fast, the sweat was off.  Great terrain, the trail is in good shape, careful deliberate foot placement due to rocks and roots, wear sturdy shoes or the sharp rocks will poke your feet through casual rubber soled shoes.  Very scenic on way up with water crossing trail three times, the otter slide rocks were a favorite a couple of miles in, this is where the families stop for the afternoon on sunny summer days.  The varied landscape made for an interesting hike, through forest, over rocky reaches where slides had obviously occured, considerable open sunlight in some areas, terrific vistas, then the amazing lake and its smaller brother, with interconnecting stream and towering peaks surrounding.  This hike is not too strenuous for many who hike, but would shake out the casual or folks with small children.  Considerable insect activity at lake elevations and on approach.  Bring insect repellent clothing, and bug spray, and don't forget your camera!

I tried this hike from "best hikes with dogs" book, and I'm going to have to dissagree. Reaching the lake was awesome, but there are a TON of rocks that you hike over. Not a fan of rocks. Rocks similar to the Taylor Creek hike.

We got on the trail at aobut 11:30AM and got up to the lakes at 1:15 after quite a bit of climbing. The lakes are cold, but refreshing to swim in for 10 minutes. Then we sat in the sun for an hour or so, and headed back. Not overly strenous and great scenery.

On an 85* day we got a late start, so the ascent was hot. We liked the variety of terrain and trail styles. In all, it was very well maintained, and we saw several other groups on the way, and at the lake. 30 minutes in is a nice cool river flowing over flat rocks. Many people stopped here for the day. We pressed on. The water fall at 1.5 miles was almost dryed up. In fact the trail was bone dry and very dusty. The few streams that had crossed the trail were dry - so bring your own water ! The lake was reached after 3 hours and a welcome sight. People were swimming, jumping from a rock, and camping on the far shore. It was quite hot and the water felt great. The lake is deep green in color and the rugged towering mountains surrounding it stood out against a dark blue sky. I was surprised that almost no bugs were there to bother us. So we lounged in the sun for a couple of hours and saw fish jumping in the lake. I was surprised to see people walking in with just sandals and skirts on. It was a warm day, but I would suggest better gear ! The steep trail went faster on the way down, and the river at the flat rocks was a welcome "foot cooler" before we reached the parking lot. I would recommend this hike in August (or any time) for those who value natural beauty, a short drive from Seattle, and a good work-out in hot weather, with no bugs ! It seemed like more than 5 miles each way though.

What a great way to spend an August day, but hiking up to a serene and solice lake! The weather, trail, and traffic were fabulous in the earlier morning start during the week. Many gorgeous view from Hemlock pass, the falls at 1.5 mi, and just a wonderful, diversity in terrain. My first attempt was about 2 weeks ago during one of our rare rains that just wouldn't let up no matter how much I begged it to. So, about half way I had to turn around and give up on it improving. Of course, as I made it to the falls the sky started to dry up and as I passed other hikers on thier way up, I congratulated them on thier timing! I'm glad I came back and completed the hike, it is one I would do every summer!

went up to the lake on an 80-degree seattle weather day and it was great! what i like most about this hike is the variety in scenery and hiking conditions: a river/bridge to stop at mile 1, a beautiful water fall at mile 1.5, covered trails until mile 2 or so and then you're climbing up a valley, along rocks for a while, to yet another water fall, and then the switch backs to the top! the lake itself is beautiful and on this day was almost swimmable!

The weather was unseasonably warm (50 degrees); the trail was also clear of snow for about half the hike. Some areas were quite slick, so travel carefully and bring a walking pole. A good portion was also in shady areas, so this would be a nice summer hike. The trail is probably busy in the summer, but the lake area is gorgeous and a nice place to relax and eat lunch before returning. The views on the return were lovely.