Denny Creek

Denny Creek 1014

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Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

4.5 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2.5 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

2300 ft

Elevation Gain:

2200 ft

Season:

July - October

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Heavy

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Snoqualmie Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Ranger District Map
Printable Topo Map

buy maps online

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required
Alpine Lakes Wilderness Regulations

Driving Directions:

From Seattle take I-90 East to Exit 47. Turn left at the Stop, in about 0.1 mile turn right. In 0.2 mile turn left onto Road 58. Follow the road for 2.3 miles and turn left onto Road 5830. Go pass Franklin Falls Trail #1036 and Wagon Road Trail #1021 trailhead, road ends at Denny Creek trailhead in 0.2 mile.

Trailhead:

Big parking, campsites are at Denny Creek Campground, water is at the creek in about 0.1 mile up the trail, toilets available.

Trail:

July 10, 2000

For the first mile trail goes through the woods with little elevation gain, crosses the bridge over Denny Creek, and continues under I-90 leading to the creek again. Here granite boulders coming up the surface form a large "flat" area with several pools and make it a popular picnic place. The trail crosses the creek, enters the woods and starts climbing in switchbacks. In about one mile it reaches an open area, offering a view of beautiful Keekwulee Falls . The slope here is very steep and dangerous, so please be careful. The trail continues to climb, at times entering the woods or coming out onto the open slopes again, and in about one mile it reaches another Denny Creek crossing. From here switchbacks get steeper and trail continues for about 1.2 miles to the ridge. There is still some snow on this part of the trail. A short descend for about 0.3 mile through the woods brings you to Melakwa Lake . Before reaching the lake the trail meets with Melakwa Lake Trail #1011, that goes to the left and leads to Lower Tuscohatchie Lake and Pratt Lake. The lake is beautiful with clear green water, and surrounded with Bryant Peak from the east and Chair Peak from the northeast side. The lake is about 10% frozen. There are several campsites near the lake that are free of snow. Campfires are prohibited near the lake.