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Kaleetan Peak

Kaleetan Peak, meaning "arrow" to natives is the easiest peak in the Snoqualmie Pass region to identify from far distances. It looks like a spire, even when up close. Surprisingly, there is a easy class 3 scramblers route to the summit. The way up will take you past old growth forests, big waterfalls, high alpine lakes and towering cliffs. The climb can be done in one long day or an enjoyable overnight at Melakwa Lake.

Distance: 5 miles
Summit Elevation: 6,259 feet
Elevation Gain: 4,200+ feet
Access: Paved

From Seattle, take I-90 to Exit 47, go over the freeway than a right turn. Follow for 2.6 miles to a left turn signed for Denny Creek Trailhead. Go 0.2 miles to the trail.

Route:

WA Hikes & Climbs

Access:

The Denny Creek Trail passes Keekwulee Falls in 2 miles and Snowshoe Falls a half mile further. At 3.6 miles is Hemlock Pass and Melakwa Lake at 4 miles. From the outlet stream of the lake find a path leading up the ridge to the NNW to Point 5700. After the point, the trail continues until the ridge gets too craggy to stay on. Then it drops several hundred feet into the west-facing basin draining to My Lake. The path crosses talus in the basin before climbing again to the ridge. The last few hundred yards are back on the ridge until the final summit gully. This gully is an easy Class 3 climbing about 160 vertical feet.