Talapus Lake Trail

Trip

Day Hike - Talapus Lake

Visit a beautiful lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness on an easy hike on a recently improved trail, passing through an evergreen forest.

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 4.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 600 ft
  • Pace: 2.0 mph

Meet at 10:30 AM at the Talapus Lake trailhead at Lookout Point, reached by taking Exit 45 from I-90, turning left at the end of the exit and right at the first road fork, FR 9030, continuing four miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.  If the parking lot is full, turn around and park at the first spot available along the right side of the road.  A Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass must be displayed by each car parked there.

The two-mile trail to Talapus Lake is entirely under a forest canopy.  It has been partially rerouted and upgraded in recent years to shorten it and make the grade more uniform.  Ongoing trail work is continuing the upgrades.  We will have our lunch at the lake, which is our turnaround spot.  There is a restroom at the trailhead and a privy at  the lake.  We return by the same route.  During the drive home, there will be an optional refreshment stop at historic Twede's Restaurant, where milkshakes come with the can.

Route/Place

Talapus Lake Trail


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
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