Talapus and Olallie Lakes — Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2025

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.