Early November is a transitional time in the Pacific Northwest; traces of later summer sun occasionally linger in the air although blustery winds and driving rain are the norm. Weather on November 5, 2011 was of the former variety. Temperature at the trailhead was in the upper 20's and it cooled off as the trail climbed to higher elevations. The trail up Denny Creek has an odd beginning, crossing under I-90 which is elevated about 80 feet above the ground surface in this area.
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| I-90 above the trail |
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| Warning sign at the Denny Creek crossing |
There used to be a nice bridge crossing Denny Creek but it was washed out during a storm
a few years ago. Now there are a couple of boulders and some
slippery branches to walk across. It makes one hope that the weather
doesn't change after crossing the bridge.
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| The Tooth, with frosty trees in the foreground. |
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| Last of the fall colors on a crystal clear day |
The trail was clear of snow for 3/4 of a mile past the creek crossing until it finally crossed the snow line. Gradually the snow depth increased to about 2 inches at Hemlock Pass at an elevation of 4,600 feet. In addition to the snow, there were a number of blown down trees recording the effects of strong winds funneling between the peaks.
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| Blow-down at the pass |
Beyond the pass the trail drops gradually below a ridge. In one spot, a cluster of crystals were poking out from the hillside. Some of them were nearly two inches long and curled in many different directions creating intriguing patterns.
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| Ice crystals next to the trail |
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| Lake Melakwa |
The lake was spectacular, framed by frosty trees, and peaks covered with a thin dusting of early season snow, topped by a brilliant azure sky. The lake itself was starting to form a thin film of ice marking the beginning of winter. The near side of the lake, where the trail ends, was in the shade and quite chilly. After a snack of buffalo jerky and an apple, it was time to head down to the car.
