Talapus and Olallie Lakes

Despite our best efforts, my husband and I never seem to be able to get out of the house early enough for Seattle area hikes. We arrived at the Talapus trail-​head at about 11:30 and the tiny parking lot was full, with additional cars lining the side of the road. Although this is a popular hike, it was not unbearably crowded. This entire hike is just so pleasant. You start out walking through a shady forest, and soon hear the rush of Talapus Creek, and get several nice views of the creek along the way. The incline is quite gentle, and although it is 1220 foot elevation gain, it feels very easy most of the way. Before you know it, you have reached Talapus Lake — this is quite pretty, although the preferred area to view the lake seems rather small. After moving on towards Ollalie Lake, the hike seems to be more secluded — I think many people (especially those with kids) turn back after reaching Talapus. The only awkward thing is that when we reached Ollalie Lake there wasn’t a very good resting place because there were people camping all around the lake. I honestly would not want to camp here, it is way too populated and not private at all. Although the lake is very pretty, I was put off by the fact that we couldn’t rest anywhere without feeling like we were invading other people’s space. Despite that, this was one of the most enjoyable hikes I have been on.

Given the proximity to Seattle and easy distance/​elevation gain, I thought this place would be a madhouse. Was pleasantly surprised! It was much quieter than the nearby Denny Creek hike. In just a few miles, you get to see two pretty lakes. Trail is well-​maintained. Great for kids, beginners, or people who feel like a relaxed, easy hike. The lakes really shine on sunny days, but they’re pretty even on overcast days.

Don’t forget to bring bug spray! You get two lakes for the price of one with this beginner hike. Nestled in the Snoqualmie area, the trailhead is located a ways up in the mountain after a drive up a pothole-​ridden, gravel road.
Drivers, please take the curves slowly! We almost had an incident when someone decided to race up the road as we were headed down.
The parking lot is tiny and you’ll find a lot of visitors parked out along the road. Keep an eye out for incoming and outgoing cars, especially at the mountain road is so narrow.
While the trail itself is fairy wide, the terrain can get a bit rough with tons of exposed tree roots. My group got turned around a few times as well because the path isn’t as noticeable at certain points. Be on the lookout for well-​worn signs amongst the trees, as without them, we probably would’ve gotten lost. :P
As other reviews mention, you’ll reach Talapus Lake first with its gorgeous vista. There was a group camping out there (which I don’t think is allowed.) so we didn’t get the best access to the water. But it’s definitely worth taking a pit stop though! ;)
At a certain point, you’ll come across a crossroads where the path on the right across the stream takes you to Pratt Lake and the Olallie Lake path continues to the left. Once at Olallie, the trail continues around the lake bowl for those who want to keep going.
As with all PNW hikes, start early — we were surprised with how crowded the road got! Also, be sure to pick up a Northwest Pass, which is $ 5 for the day and can be purchased online. And once again, don’t forget the bug spray — you’ll need it!

Very easy, well maintained trail with multiple lakes. Great for beginning hikers, kids, families and dogs.
Difficulty: Easy
Round Trip: 6.2 miles (This is to Olallie Lake, you pass by Talapus lake first)
Elevation Gain: 1220 ft
Time: 1 hour up, 50 minutes down
Drive: Exit 45 off I-​90. The FR 9030 roas has lots of potholes on the gravel road. Drive slowly and carefully.
Parking: Small parking lot. The Talapus Lake Trail main parking lot can only fit about 20 cars. I arrived on a Sunday morning at 11:00 am. The parking lot was full and there were many cars parked on the side of the road. I was lucky enough to catch someone right when they were leaving.
Trail: There are various lakes on the Talapus Lake trail. Talapus Lake is the first stop at 1.5 miles. Olallie Lake is the next stop at 3 miles. You can continue farther to Pratt Lake for another 2.5 miles or so.
The trail starts off in the shaded forest. The rooty trail is rocky in some areas but the overall trail is very wide, accessible and nicely maintained. The majority of the incline gain is to Talapus Lake. There are some switchbacks but it is very gradual and not that steep. Make sure you stay on the trail! There was a part where it looked like that trail forked off and we actually went the wrong way into a rocky, bouldering terrain. Noticing that there was no foot traffic, we immediately turned around.
The trail flattens up after Talapus lake. Most of the trail is shaded which was nice because it was very hot that afternoon. Talapus Lake is nicer than Olallie Lake. The water in Olallie Lake wasn’t as clean and pristine as Talapus Lake. I didn’t get a chance to visit Pratt Lake but probably will do so in the future.
Bugs: Bring bug spray. Lots of pesky mosquitoes!
*Northwest Forest Pass required* Parking box available at the trailhead. It’s $ 5 for the day if you do not have a pass.