Hit the trailhead just before 8:30 am, and there were less than 10 cars in the parking lot. The road isn't the worst forest road I've been on, but there are plenty of potholes you'll want to avoid. There was tons of smoke in the air and the trail is dusty so breathing wasn't much fun, but the trail rises at a very gentle grade the entire time, and it's wide and well-maintained. There was clear evidence of ongoing trail maintenance at several points - thanks to all the volunteers who make that happen!
We passed Talapus Lake around 9:15. The lake was perfectly flat and it made for a vivid vista with the fall colors just starting to emerge. Stopped for a quick photo op and continued uphill. We could hear a few people on the side of the lake, but didn't see another soul until we were almost at Olallie Lake. A good section of the trip is over land bridges in various states of repair/construction. Watch your step here until the trail work is done.
We arrived at Olallie around 9:45 am. There were several overnight groups packing up around the lake, including one whose music and constant yelling could be heard across the lake (c'mon guys...). Everyone else was far more respectful and we had a good time eating snacks by the lakeside in the sun.
After sunning a bit by the lake, we headed back down to the trailhead and arrived around 11:15. We passed at least a dozen overnighters hiking down and many more day hikers coming up. As expected, the parking lot was full and new arrivals were beginning to park on the side of the road.
It was a great short hike - we were back home before the rain began in time for lunch.
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