Talapus and Olallie Lakes, Ira Spring Trail - Mason Lake

The last Saturday in October was a nice day for hiking. The morning saw a little rain, but by the time we started our hike, the rain had stopped and the day became nice. Our plan was to take two cars, leaving one at Ira Springs Trailhead and the second at Talapus Trailhead. Our hike began at Talapus. Our total hike would be around 10 miles. Soon the snows will be here, making much of this hike out of reach for us. A recent report stated there is snow on the trail. We did find some remnants of snow near Island Lake, but nothing to be concerned with.

The total hike has many types of scenery. Starting with gentle slopes to Talapus and passing by mushrooms, and cascading water falls. From Talapus we gazed at the fall colors and listened to the water falls coming down from Island Lake. As we climbed toward Pratt Lake turn-off, we began with the high mountain views. We gazed down to Ollalie Lake, and later to Talapus Lake. Once reaching the turn to Island we were in a new land with many small lakes, and meadows. We expected to see deer or Elk, but they must have been in hiding.

After passing mason, we descended down the side of Bandera with the fall colors all around us.

Great time to hike, with the temperatures in the 40’s, no snow yet, no bugs, but plenty of water falls and lakes. Note: there is water and mud on the trails between Island Lake and Mason Lake. Our total altitude gain was 2800 ft.