Day Hike - Talapus & Olallie Lakes

Meet at 10 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 junction onto FR 9030 and continuing 2.4 miles to its end at the trailhead parking lot.  If the parking lot is full, head back down the road, parking on the right side at the first opportunity.  A Northwest Forest Pass or National Park Pass must be displayed by each car parked there.  There is a restroom at the trailhead.  This road usually has some scattered potholes, so high clearance vehicles are recommended, but not required.  The driving route is dirt and gravel starting shortly after leaving I-90.

Most of the 3 mile trail to Olallie Lake has been rerouted and upgraded in recent years to make the grade more even and the distance shorter, while improving its quality.  We reach Talapus Lake in two miles and Olallie Lake a mile farther.  There is a privy at Talapus Lake and there are two at Olallie Lake.  We'll stop for a rest break at Talapus Lake on the way in and have our lunch break at Olallie Lake.  There will be an opportunity for a swim during the lunch break if the weather permits it.  The entire hike is under a forest canopy.  After lunch, we hike out on the same route we hiked in.

On the drive home, there will be the option for a refreshment stop in North Bend, that will be suited to the status of covid 19 at the time.