Day Hike - Talapus & Olallie Lakes

Meet at 10 AM at the Talapus Lake trailhead at Lookout Point, reached from I-90 Exit 45.  Turn left at the end of the exit ramp and then right at the first road junction, onto Forest Road 9030, and continue four miles to the parking lot at the end of the road.  If the parking lot is full, turn around and head down hill, parking at the first available spot along the right side of the road.  A Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass must be displayed by each car parked there.  A restroom is available at the trailhead, there is one outhouse at Talapus Lake and there are two outhouses at Olallie Lake. 

Our hiking route is on a recently upgraded trail, mostly reconstructed, with a gentle grade through a forest canopy.  There will be a rest stop at Talapus Lake, two miles in, to use the outhouse and take a close look at the lake.  In another mile, we will reach Olallie Lake, where we stop for lunch and a possible swim, and then return by the same route.  On the drive home, we will have an optional refreshment stop at iconic Twede's Restaurant in North Bend, where the milkshakes are served with the can, salads are large enough to take half home with you for another meal and the chili is excellent.  They were made famous on the Twin Peaks TV series for their coffee and cherry pie, which are also popular with hikers.