Talapus Lake Trail #1039

Dogs Leashed

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming

This trail is very populated, and so it makes for a great first solo run if you are nervous about getting lost, etc. However with that in mind, know that these sometimes newer hikers can be less aware of trail runners, and you may have to stop more than once on your run up.

Because of some root systems and boggy parts, there is some caution that needs to go into running this trail, especially on the way down. Even with these things in mind, this trail is roughly 85% runnable and is a fabulous trail.

This is a nice grade trail up to two beautiful lakes. The path up to Talapus Lake is about 1.5 miles and from there it is about 1 mile up to Olallie Lake, with about 0.5 miles of trail to the end of Olallie, making for a roughly 5-6 mile round-trip run. The trail up to Talapus Lake is nice and gradual, and although it is well-maintained and very populated, there are still some root systems to be careful around, although nothing bad. The trail from Talapus to Olallie is slightly steeper, slightly less maintained, and less populated, with larger root systems and muddy crossings.

To get to the trailhead take Exit 45 off I-90 and follow FR-9030 to the Talapus Lake trailhead. From the trailhead, follow the wide, maintained trail. The trail up to Talapus is well maintained, however watch for "closed" trails that are being restored. If you see logs across what looks like a trail, it is because the trail is in a restoration process. Just before Talapus Lake, there will be a small footbridge that takes you across a creek leading to the lake. From there the trail to Olallie is on the east side of Talapus. Watch for meandering trails as you ascend up to Olallie—there are some distracting paths that lead to the creek.

Cedar and hemlock trees.