Trip report by Ranger Mike
My three-day route followed several trails: Talapus Lake #1039, Pratt Lake #1007, Melakwa Lake #1011, Kaleetan Lake #1010, and Denny Creek #1014, from Talapus Lake trailhead to Denny Creek Trailhead via Kaleetan Lake.
Friday, 08 August - Lower Tuscohatchie Lake to Kaleetan Lake to Windy Lake. Steep. The trail starts with a brief elevation gain then drops steeply to cross the Pratt River. There is a log crossing at the river, but only the sure-footed should attempt to cross on the log. For the rest of us, shucking socks and boots for a barefoot or sandals crossing is the best bet. After the river crossing is another steep climb, followed by a descent to Windy and then Kaleetan Lakes.
Saturday, 09 August - Windy Lake to Melakwa Lake. The Melakwa Lake Trail provides an excellent view of Kaleetan Peak. The last mile or so before Melakwa Lake is steep.
Sunday, 10 August - Melakwa Lake to Denny Creek Trailhead. Unlike most of the rest of this route (muddy and overgrown), the trail here was mostly dry and in good condition.
The tread on the Kaleetan Lake Trail 1010 and Melakwa Lake Trail 1011 is very narrow in places and caution must be exercised to avoid an unpleasant tumble off the trail.
There are what we thought to be lynx tracks at Kaleetan Lake. The wildflowers are colorful everywhere. Bugs are abundant - we had to seek refuge in the tent one afternoon and had all those biting nasties banging against the outside of the tent. Campsites at all the lakes. Fires are prohibited in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness above 4000 feet elevation and at all the lakes we visited except Kaleetan. There is a shortage of wood at Kaleetan, so please avoid fires there as well.
Many of us have noticed a particularly unwelcome blooming of paper flowers and its sundry accouterments in the wilderness. Please dispose of "what cometh from thee" properly. Also, please keep your dog on a leash, required wherever dogs are allowed in the wilderness. At best, dogs are a nuisance.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.