Talapus and Olallie Lakes — Friday, May. 30, 2025

Snagged the kid early from preschool and snuck in a Fri overnight with another parent and their 4 yo. (Her very first backpacking trip!)

Plenty of space at Talapus, a few families camped for the night. I expect more crowded on Sat.

The privy at Talapus is in good shape, and well marked. Camps are also well marked.

Trail is in good shape. Some signs of cutting switchbacks, but given the intense foot traffic this trail gets things looked pretty good in that first 2 miles at least. Some mosquitoes but not too bad.

Was surprised how quiet the trailhead was Friday after 4 given the good weather (maybe 20 cars). Toilet looked good, well stocked. Scan and pay sign posted as an option (if you already have the recreation.gov app). When we emerged around noon, there were cars maybe 3/4-1 mile down the road. If you want solitude go early/weekday and push beyond the first few miles.

We definitely passed a bunch of folks on our (very) slow descent but that’s my expectation for this hike. It was fun for us and the kids and all the dogs were well behaved. Most were leashed.

Great to get out for the night to someplace beautiful.