Talapus Lake

Destination: Talapus Lake, WA, USA Style: Hike (easy)

Report: Talapus Lake is a very nice, very easy hike through the woods to a mountain lake 2.25 miles from the parking lot.  Takes about 45 minutes.  To get there go to exit 45 off of I90.  Turn north (left if coming from Seattle) and follow the road, becoming dirt, until it branches.  Go right, drive 3 miles to the parking lot (NW Forest pass required).  This parking lot is usually completely full by 10:30 or 11 on weekends.

The hike goes up at a moderate pace for 2 miles.  Around 1 mile you come across a nice stream.  1.5 miles lands you in a stream filled valley that is magical in early spring snow and a nightmare during our 1 week mosquito season (usually around mid June at this altitude).  Eventually you come to the lake.

You can continue on 1.25 miles to Olallie Lake or do a 14 mile look to the higher valleys.  Email me if you want information on those trips.