Arrived at the trail head around 8am. Parking lot wasn’t full yet, but did fill up shortly afterwards. Beware of a few bad potholes on the unpaved road coming in. Was a great hike with beautiful scenery.

We arrived at the trailhead at about noon on a Tuesday after navigating the access road (some pot holes but generally in good shape). The parking lot was full and cars were parked about 200 yards down the road. Had we arrived 1/2 hour later we probably would have had a spot at the trailhead as we met a pretty steady flow coming down. The trail is smooth with long gradual switchbacks for the first two thirds and a bit rougher with more rocks and roots higher up. There were three parties eating and swimming off the logs that form the end of Talapus Lake. The water is pleasant but has to be accessed by sliding off the logs. The area is small so we ate our lunch in the day camping grove back from the lake. A beautiful mountain lake setting albeit with mostly swampy shoreline.

Dry and not too crowded for a beautiful summer day in the 80s. We got there after 9:20 am and had to turn around in the parking lot and park along the dirt road.

Excellent day for a hike! The weather was nice and warm and there were no bugs or snow. Shockingly, the trail was a lot less crowded than I'd expected it to be late on a Saturday morning, even though the line of parked cars stretched about a mile from the parking lot. Luckily found an empty spot just as we pulled up to the lot. The bathroom is very clean for a pit toilet, well lit and ventilated, and only mildly smelly.

As previous reporters mentioned, there is a giant pothole at the start of the forest service road off the highway--veer left to avoid it. (Honestly, it's more of a complete dent in the road than a pothole, so be prepared.) Then the road becomes gravelly and unpaved, which wouldn't be a problem if it weren't littered with an insane number of deep potholes.

The lakes were stunning, especially Olallie! There were quite a few people camping along the shores. Would've loved to stay a night if I hadn't planned for just a day hike. There were huckleberries near the lakeshores, they were ripe but tasted rather sour. Wildflowers were not everywhere, but could be spotted. The beargrass made for some excellent photoshoots!

As a side note, I saw way too many unleashed dogs running along the trail and even a bag or two of dog poop. Please heighten your standards of responsibility if you're a dog owner.

Beautiful hike, logged about 7.1 miles including the bushwhack trail around Olallie's lakeshore, which takes you about 2/3 of the way until you have to turn back. Totally recommend!

As others have mentioned, there is one giant pothole right when the paved road ends, but it it is otherwise fine. Ollalie Lake was warm and beautiful, but very crowded.

The trail is popular with people and pets. Please be mindful if you are bringing your dog and keep it leashed.