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Trip Report

Talapus and Olallie Lakes — Saturday, Jun. 19, 2010

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Talapus & Olallie Lakes Trail Head (Photo taken by Ben Derby 6/19/10)
My wife and I began our hike to Talapus and Olallie lakes from the trail head off of FR 9030. The weather was cool, damp and somewhat drizzly, but it made for a very interesting hike, showing off a very different kind of beauty these lakes possess than on a sunny day. (Also, the cooler temperature made for very comfortable hiking.) There were a handful of other hikers on the trail (mostly to Talapus), but not as much as I would have expected - (possibly due to the drizzly weather). There were a couple of muddy spots up to Talapus, but nothing unmanageable. Getting to Olallie, however, was a LOT muddier, making the trail a bit challenging without walking poles. I suspect the trail is muddy due to snow melt, so I would not expect this trail to dry out any time soon. (And yes, there are still a couple small snow mounds on the trail.) In short, expect to get your boots dirty. Due to the muddy nature of the trail, it took a bit longer to get to Olallie, but what a great reward! The lake was so serene! The lake basin was relatively dry, so it's a nice spot to stop for lunch before hiking back. And just a little note to anyone thinking of continuing their hike to Pratt Lake: the bridge across the Talapus Creek is out at the juncture of the main trail and the Olallie Lake spur. I saw another hiker successfully cross, but not without walking poles nor any worries about soaking his boots.
Talapus Lake (Photo taken by Ben Derby 6/19/10)
Olallie Lake (Photo taken by Ben Derby 6/19/10)
Washed out bridge on main trail at Olallie Lake trail spur (Photo taken by Ben Derby 6/19/10)
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