We went in past Talapus Lake, cut over to the Pratt Lake trail, went up to the junction with the Mt. Defiance trail, then came back down with a side trip to Olallie Lake. The trail to Talapus and Olallie lakes was in fabulous condition (as is perhaps to be expected with the amount of traffic). The Pratt Lake trail (and the side trail between it and Olallie Lake trail) was in slightly worse condition with a couple of sections of mudholes. If it stays dry and warm, I expect they'll dry up soon, though. There is a makeshift conglomeration of former bridge, logs, and stepping stones across Olallie Creek, but it's pretty solid and easily crossed. Immediately afterwards a couple of trees have fallen across the trail requiring a few duck steps to get under. All in all, a very pleasant day, with good views, and some peaceful quiet at both Talapus and Olallie lakes -- which I'm sure can only be obtained on a weekday.

There are a few trees across the Mason Lake Trail between the rock field and the lake. There are no trees across the trail from Mason Lake on the Mt Defiance Trail to the junction with the Pratt Lake Trail. There is a jumble of two or three trees across the Island Lake spur trail. There are no trees on the Pratt Lake Trail from the junction with the Mt Defiance Trail to the junction with the Talapus Lake Trail. There is a jumble of three trees across the trail where the Talapus Lake Trail crosses Olallie Creek. There are no trees across the trail on the Talapus Lake Trail from Olallie Creek to the trailhead. There is no snow along the entire route. Mason, Island, Rainbow, Blazer, Talapus and Olallie Lakes are all thawed and all campsites are snow-free.

Most of the trail is in good condition (and well attended!), but the crowd clears out after Ollalie, and most of those going past Ollalie are going to Pratt Lake, making Rainbow and Island Lakes a good place for solitude. Between Talapus and Ollalie lakes, there is one large cedar you must sneak under and one bridge washout that can be crossed on a makeshift line of logs. There are still many significant snow patches at Rainbow Lake and Island Lakes. Plan on wet feet once you get up there. Beautiful blooming bear grass on the ridge trail!

This is a busy trail in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. The parking lot is too small for the amount of hikers who want to use the area, so get there early or go somewhere else. We went on a hot Sunday recently. The lakes are melting out nicely. It was dampish around the edges at Olallie, which is a bit higher than Talapus, also on this trail. Snow patches were in the woods between the lakes and on the slopes above Olallie. With the hot weather, though, the snow will be gone soon. The trail has some muddy and damp spots. That, too, should dry up quickly with the coming of warm weather. There were no bugs to report. Not too many flowers, some dogwood and groundcovers in bloom. Huckleberry bushes have already set fruit in the sunny regions. This is a great hiking area for children. Some kids sampled the waters for swimming. It's cold! The creek over Olallie (') Creek is almost a boulder hop now. The Pratt Lake trail is almost completely melted out, also. There are some camps around the fringe of Olallie, but this is a better day hike destination. It almost has the feel of a county park. Mid-week would be better for those looking for a little peace and quiet. Still, it was pleasant to enjoy some sun and good conversation on an early summer day.

Trail is in good condition all the way to the lake. One large blowdown, but there were branches in all the right places, so there's no worries. Good views; the lake was a bit more than I expected. There are a few snow patches, but with the exception of one, all are less than 15 feet wide. Shouldn't stop you unless your wearing sandals =)