Trip

Day Hike - Talapus & Olallie Lakes

Midweek sunrise hike to TWO gorgeous Alpine Lakes from Exit 47 (NOT 45). Bring wading shoes/swimsuit/small towel if you want to beat the heat. Anticipated pace: 2-2.2 mph up, 2.3-2.5 mph down.

Register Participant

Contacts

Courtenay Schurman

Primary Leader

Thu, Jul 24, 2025
Committee: Seattle Hiking Committee
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: Moderate
Leader Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 8.8 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,536 ft
High Point Elevation: 3,792 ft
Pace: 2-2.5 MPH

Availability: FULL, 1 on waitlist (9 capacity)
Cancellation & Refund Policy

Leader's notes

Join me on one of my favorite hiking trails. Lovely wooded, shady hike with plenty of running water (streams). Perfect for hot summer days if you don't like sunscreen, layers, and burns (who does? NOT ME!)

We'll take a clothing break at mile 1 (Junction with Granite Mountain), a short snack break at mile 3 (Olallie-Pratt junction) then spend time exploring Olallie and Talapus Lakes.

Our longer break with wading/swimming will be at Olallie (Talapus has some cool logs but not the best lake access). Bring plenty of water (leader carries a gallon in summer), wading shoes/hand towel if you want to take a dip, and we should be down before rush hour hits Seattle.

Meeting place and time

Carpool details will follow in Hello Hiker. Recommended as this trailhead is popular and serves as entryway to many backcountry lakes.

Meet at Exit 47 at 6:20 a.m. ready for introductions/stretches at 6:30. Leader prefers early morning starts to beat the summer heat and hear birdsong, and get parking without jeopardizing the cars on side-slopes. Be ready to walk no later than 6:45.

Once we get past the junction with Granite Mountain we won't see as many people.

Route/Place