Talapus and Olallie Lakes — Tuesday, Jul. 2, 2002

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

We went for a 2 day backpacking trip to Pratt Lake and surrounding environs despite dire warnings from the Ranger regarding treachorous snow bridges and twisted ankles. There was soft mushy snow around Olallie and much mud on the connecting trail to Pratt Lake trail. I would recommend bypassing the scenic but wet Talapus/Ollalie route for the more straight-forward Pratt Lake trail 2 exits up the road. There's still plenty of mud holes and wet snow ahead!! Don't let the snow scare you going to Pratt (as it did 3 other parties we passed) - it soon becomes snow free for much of the rest of the way (except right near the lake - but it's no problem atall). We did get the lake all to our selves, though, which was amazing. The following day, we decided to go for a short hike. We strolled to Lower Tuscohatchie lake, which was really pretty and had a great campspot. There the trail divided: 3 miles to Melakwa, or 3 miles to Kaleetan. We decided to take the road less travelled up to Kaleetan, and that made all the difference. This trail descends to a tricky creek ford, where our poor canine was swept several hundred feet downstream, much to our horror (she was unfazed, however). The slippery log bridge would be really hard to cross with a backpack. This trail is in danger of dying of neglect - the tread is very narrow and becoming overgrown. The way then ascends about 1200 to 1500 feet on a nice dry trail with pretty little streams. However, the way is so narrow, almost completely eroded away in places, that our ankles began to scream at us. After the ascent, you round the hill and it's a short jaunt to Windy Lake. Short except for the few snow fields that, while not huge, present some navigation problems (I for one got around all of them successfully only to slide and nearly fall to my death on dirt.) Finally got to Windy Lake which is frozen over. There are a couple of nice campsites on top of a little knoll by the lake. Kaleetan Lake is a scant half mile from Windy and almost worth the hike. There's a glorius campsite there and a great view. 3 miles my eye!!! That was at least a 4 and a half mile slog up and down on narrow and iffy trail. We returned to Pratt somewhat dazed but better for the experience. At least the dog got out alive. In all, a great trip, but my feet still haven't completely dried out. Have fun in the mud!