Tuscohatchie Lake, what a great location with options to day hike up to Melakwa Lake (I did Sunday) or Kaleetan Lake.
I tried for Upper Tuscohatchie on Sunday, but I gave up after being assaulted by devil’s club. It’s hard to think that there’s not an official trail to Upper Tuscohatchie with it being as large as it is.
After further research it looks like a few have made it to upper by going via Granite Tower trail. I’m a volunteer Wilderness Ranger and the closest water to Granite Tower is Crystal Lake, so another adventure.
The trail to Lower Tuscohatchie is snowless, void of any major down trees, and very comfortable (in the shade).
Melakwa Lake is GORGEOUS! I’ve been up there, maybe a decade ago, but that lake is a top 5 for me in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. There is an overnight area on the far side of the lake. 1 guy was overnighting up there, but it was otherwise empty.
There’s a ridge high above the opposite shore of Kaleetan that’s visited by climbers. The Tooth, the Tooth Fairy, and The Fang, also known as Pineapple Pass. I’m not a climber, but the lake is stunning!
Trip in total was 27.6 miles and 4300’.
Trip Report
Melakwa - Pratt Lake Traverse — Tuesday, Jun. 17, 2025
Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area
Comments
GoodKarma on Melakwa - Pratt Lake Traverse
Spent a couple of nights at Lower T. Lake a few years back. Instead of going to Melakwa we went to Kaleetan Lake. Very interesting trip, including a beautiful Pratt River crossing, Lovely Windy Lake and a section of massive blown down trees like matchsticks. Can only imagine what caused that. Next time give that one a try.
Posted by:
GoodKarma on Jun 17, 2025 09:51 PM
AaronTheHiker on Melakwa - Pratt Lake Traverse
I was out there for 4 days, 3 nights. I was going to hike both Kaleetan and Melakwa the next day, but I decided to skip Kaleetan and go for Upper Tuscohatchie and tried to split off where I thought I saw some wear/trail. Instead I was beat up by tons of alder and devil's club.
Posted by:
AaronTheHiker on Jun 17, 2025 10:17 PM
GoodKarma on Melakwa - Pratt Lake Traverse
Too bad. I agree that Melakwa Lake is one of my favorite destinations.
Posted by:
GoodKarma on Jun 18, 2025 04:51 PM
JKragle on Melakwa - Pratt Lake Traverse
Thanks for the trail report, brother! Can't wait to fish out on these lakes with a beer in hand this weekend! Happy trails.
Posted by:
JKragle on Jun 19, 2025 06:42 AM