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Melakwa Lake

Coordinates: 47°27′1.16″N 121°28′8.27″W / 47.4503222°N 121.4689639°W / 47.4503222; -121.4689639
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Upper Melakwa Lake
bordered by Chair Peak (to the right) and Kaleetan Peak (to the left)
Location of Melakwa Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Melakwa Lake in Washington, USA.
Upper Melakwa Lake
Location of Melakwa Lake in Washington, USA.
Location of Melakwa Lake in Washington, USA.
Upper Melakwa Lake
LocationKing County, Washington, United States
Coordinates47°27′1.16″N 121°28′8.27″W / 47.4503222°N 121.4689639°W / 47.4503222; -121.4689639
Primary inflowsPratt River
Primary outflowsPratt River
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface elevation4,505 ft (1,373 m)

Melakwa Lake is a lake in King County, Washington. The name Melakwa comes from a Chinook term for "mosquito".[1] It is located along the Pratt River just below the river's true source.

Access

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It is off of I-90 and can be accessed from the Denny Creek trail head. It is accessible via a moderate, all-day hike from Denny Creek to Melakwa Lake.[2]

Characteristics

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The lake is located in a narrow valley, with Chair Peak to the east and Kaleetan Peak to the west, and is usually accessible by late June. It is known for its clear water and beautiful blue-green color. A short scramble up the talus slope on the north end of the lake leads to Melakwa Pass, where views of Gem Lake, Glacier Peak, and the North Cascades are visible on clear days.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Hitchman, Robert (1985). Place Names of Washington. Washington State Historical Society, 184. ISBN 0-917048-57-1
  2. ^ Spring, Ira, Vicky Spring and Harvey Manning (2000). 100 Hikes in Washington's Alpine Lakes, 3rd ed. The Mountaineers, 202. ISBN 0-89886-707-X
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