Pratt Lake to Denny Creek Trail Report

NW Forest Pass Required

Current Conditions:

As usual Trail 1007 was in great shape.  I have never been to Pratt Lake in the summer so hiking the section of trail after the turn off to Mason Lakes was new to me.  Expect for the few boulder fields the trail is quite easily navigated and pleasant to walk.  The slope along the edge of the lake has been cut recently which was nice.  I bet it would have been wet if it hadn�t.

Upper Melakwa Lake

Trail #1011 between Pratt Lake and Lower Tuscohatchie Lake had also been cut so it was a pleasure as well.  The tread is a little rougher than along Pratt Lake but not bad.  When you get to the lake there are quite a few trails so be sure to have your map out to be sure you have the right one.  Along the lake and for the next half mile of so you have great tread until you reach a side hill section that is over grown.  Due to its north facing orientation the vegetation is wet longer into the day.  The views of Chair Peak will distract you from the damp plants at your feet.  The overgrown section only lasts a few tenths of a mile as trail crews have come from Melakwa Lake and cleared the rest of the way.

The climb up to Melakwa Lake is in good condition.  The only water on the trail is at stream crossings.  I have never been to Melakwa Lake but it�s clear from its beauty that it gets a lot of traffic.  As typical with most popular destinations there are a spider web of trails along the lake.  Be sure to keep on these to limit further damage.

The descent on Trail #1014 to Denny Creek from Melakwa is quite steep and rocky at times.  You�ll cross many rock slides and negotiate many switch backs.  The tread is rocky for a most of the way.  From Denny Creek CG to the water slides at the creek crossing the tread is smooth and easy to walk.

Unfortunately the blueberries and Huckleberries were none existent.  Though this hike does offer alpine lakes, good tread, great views, and waterfalls.

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Scatman

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