Saturday, July 22, 9AM
Keekwulee Falls via Denny Creek
8:45am – 3:00pm (pack a lunch)
Parking is limited at the trail head so we will carpool. Please meet at the Houghton Park and Ride at 8:45am and we will carpool from there. We will leave the Park and Ride no later than 9am.
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/melakwa-lake
Start out from the trailhead on a wide trail that meanders through forest, with trees young and old. Due to its popularity, this part of the trail has been the focus of numerous trail maintenance outings, yet there are still rocks and roots to contend with; that’s just the nature of the terrain.
At a half mile, freeway noise peaks as you pass under the elevated span of eastbound Interstate 90. Then at just over 1 mile is a popular natural feature known by various names: the Denny Creek Water Slide, Slide Rock, the Slippery Slab. This is the destination for many families, for frolicking and/or picnicking on a hot summer day. If this is your destination, see our hiking guide entry for Denny Creek.
At the water slide, Denny Creek is posted as “Impassible During High Water”. In normal flows however, strategically placed rocks offer a dry crossing. The trail re-enters pleasant forest on the opposite side, marked by a sign on a large tree that reads “Main Trail”. A quarter mile from the water slide, the trail passes through an area of lush vegetation then breaks out into the open, revealing two tiers of Keekwulee Falls, the main drop falling 90 feet into a steep ravine. In the morning, the falls can be seen glinting in the sunlight.
Gear:
- Scouts are encouraged to carry a pack with the essentials appropriate for their den year. Please consult your den handbooks to determine which gear they should carry.
- Feel free to bring appropriate gear to go swimming/wading in the water but also for the hike before.
- Please pack a lunch as we will likely be out on the trail during lunch time
- Water! Water! Water! Please make sure to have enough for the hike in and out.
