On Wednesday this week I headed out to Talapus and Olallie lakes near North Bend. With my trusty sidekicks (my 2 boys) at school, I had to find another hiking partner, so I went with one of my friends.
This hike is pretty easy, however there are some spots that are quite rocky and have tree roots sticking up. So, be sure to watch your step. I would be comfortable bringing kids 5 and older if they have hiked before. 7 and up if not. On the way down we passed a couple, and the father was carrying a baby in a front pack and his 5 year-old daughter as well. So, it depends on your kids for sure.
The trail is well maintained with a few muddy spots along the way. The hike to Talapus Lake is 4 miles round trip. If you want to add on Olallie Lake to your trip, it will be an additional 1 1/2 miles, but totally worth it. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete the hike.
The trail starts out pretty flat and wide. There are many wooden paths along the way covering boggy areas.
A bit before you reach Talapus, you will cross a bridge over a stream and you can hear the rumblings of a waterfall.
There are a few points you can go off trail to view the waterfall
We reached Talapus Lake and it was beautiful. There weren't many easy access points to the lake, but I found a spot to take some good pictures.
If you choose to continue to Olallie Lake (I would recommend it if you have time), you will continue on the trail and see a sign that points to Pratt Lake (1 1/2 miles further) or Olallie Lake. Follow the arrow that points to Olallie. Unfortunately we saw the sign but didn't pay attention to the arrows, so wandered a bit before coming back and following the arrows. I guess we were talking to much.
Continue hiking along a few switchbacks and reach Olallie in about .7 miles. I enjoyed this Lake even more. There were more access points to the lake and spots to sit and take a break for a snack.
As soon as we sat to have a snack a bunch of Gray Jays swooped down to snatch up any crumbs we might spill. They came amazingly close and were fun to watch.
Off to pick the kids up from school. With driving time to and from these hikes, it doesn't leave much time to enjoy the beauty and serenity, but it was well worth it.
To get here drive I-90 east to exit 45 (Forest Road 9030). Turn left under the freeway on FR 9030. In about 1 mile bear right at the junction. Continue straight for a couple of miles to the trailhead. A forest pass is required and there is one outhouse available at the trailhead.
One of the boys' favorite hikes is Heather Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway. We have done this hike twice. Our first time just the boys and I went. It was in August and it was a beautiful sunny day. The second time we went with friends in July and it was raining the entire time. Both times we had a great time.
This hike is 4 miles roundtrip with 1000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is hikeable by all ages.
At about a mile in, the old growth forest begins and the trail will follow Heather Creek. The sounds of the waterfall beckon you forward.
The trail is well maintained and within the next mile you will travel up several switchbacks to a bridge where the trail becomes level. Continue down through the forest to the meadow just before the lake.
Both times we went there was a bit of snow before you reached the lake. This is easily traversed and the trail is easy to follow. As you can see, we brought our dog. He had a great time too!
During our sunny hike the boys found so many frogs it was amazing! They had a great time collecting them. Don't worry no frogs were harmed in the making of this photo.
When we reached the lake we were overwhelmed by its beauty. Views of the lake and Mount Pilchuck were awe-inspiring.
Even on the rainy day the views were just as majestic though a bit more muddy.
Heather Lake is hikeable mid June through October, but I would suggest later in the summer to ensure less snow on the trail and better weather. The kids will want to play in the water as soon as you get there.
The boys have been asking to go back so we may try this in the fall to enjoy the changing colors.
To get here drive north on Hwy 9 and take a right on Hwy 92 towards Granite Falls. Pass through Granite Falls and turn left on the Mountain Loop Highway. Continue past the Verlot Ranger station about a mile and take a right on Mount Pilchuck road (no. 42). Continue 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot. A forest pass is required and there are outhouses at the parking lot.
Riley and I ventured to Goat Lake off of the Mountain Loop Highway near Darrington last week for a 10 1/2 mile hike. He was up for it and did an amazing job! While driving there I felt like we were seriously going into the middle of nowhere. This picture was shot from the dirt road leading to the trailhead.
I would rate this hike as medium in difficulty as far as the trail conditions and elevation with a gain of only 1300 feet. However, I would rate it hard as far as the distance traveled. So, I wouldn't recommend this hike for anyone under 9 years old.
The trail starts out in a new growth forest and you can hear Elliot Creek flowing after about a half mile. You will have to make a decision at the fork whether to take the upper or lower trail to Goat Lake. We took the lower trail to the lake and the upper on the way back. That way we didn't miss anything.
There were many blowdowns on the lower trail most of which didn't affect the trail.
Most of the way Riley and I could walk together, there are some areas where you will need to walk single file.
You will see some great waterfalls along the lower path.
At about 3.5 miles you will merge with the upper path and enter the old growth part of the forest. I love these ancient trees that have been standing so long. They are amazing!
I took so many pictures of these amazing trees and wish I could post them all. At about 4.5 miles you will see a dry creekbed and you will cross it to the right to enter the forest again.
You will then take a sharp left at this stump and head up the rocky hill.
A short while after the turn you will hear roaring McIntosh Falls and you can take a slight detour to view the falls. They are majestic.You are almost there. Just about 1/2 mile left. Right before you reach the lake you will see this sign and you will go straight to the lake.
After walking through a trail of greenery, you will finally reach the lake. It was definitely worth it.
We stayed here about 1/2 hour and had lunch before we had to head back down. It was so peaceful. We only saw 4 other people while we were there.
Now time to head back down. We went straight to the upper trail this time when we hit the fork.
The upper trail is like a whole different hike. The path was a bit narrow at some points.
Riley had to hold up this blown down tree for us to pass.
There was a rock slide about 1 mile into the upper trail that we had to go around, not too bad.
There were quite a few bugs. I used a bug repellent bracelet that didn't seem to work real well but probably was better than nothing. It took us 5 hours from start to finish including our lunch break at the lake. We would have stayed longer if we didn't have to drive an hour and a half to get back home.
To get here, drive the Mountain Loop Highway East from Granite Falls. You will pass the Verlot Ranger Station on the left. This hike does require a Forest Pass, so you can stop at the Ranger station if you don't already have one. Continue past the Ranger Station for about 19.5 miles to Barlow Pass (end of the paved road) and enter a gravel road. You will drive on this dirt road for about 4 miles and cross the Elliott Creek Bridge. About .2 miles after the bridge, you will turn right on road No. 4080 and drive for about a mile to the trailhead.
There is a great outhouse at the parking lot that seems pretty new. It smells of cedar which covers up any other bad smells that may linger. I had to add a picture. I love myself a nice bathroom. There was even a hand sanitizer dispenser that was full!
Overall, this was a great hike. Challenging distance, not too steep, and beautiful surroundings. The path was easily traversed and Riley was able to keep up with me no problem. The lake was spectacular and the views of Cadet Peak were snow capped.
So, we started out today planning to go to Denny Creek Water Slide off of I-90 Snoqualmie Pass. Unfortunately, the weather said rain/thundershowers. Luckily I checked online to see what the trail conditions were and found out the bridge was out at Denny Creek which meant we would have to wade through water. No thanks. Change of plans. This is a great example of why we check the trail conditions before we head out on a hike.
I decided to go to Boulder River waterfall off of the Mountain Loop Highway. I found out the trail is in good condition March through November and it was supposed to be a bit warmer up north. Our hiking partners for the day were very flexible so off we went through the pouring rain. When you live in Washington, rain can't slow you down. If you let a little rain stop you, you may never get out of the house.
There are a couple of options on this hike. You can stop at about 1 1/4 miles (3 miles round trip) at the twin falls or you can go all the way to the top (about 7 miles round trip). We decided on the shorter option due to the weather, but will return to do the entire length before summer's end.
This hike was on the easier side, smooth and level enough for small children. Even though we were prepared for the rain (wearing garbage bags to stay dry) we stayed pretty dry the entire time. The forest envelopes you in a waterproof canopy. Even most of the trail stayed dry. We were so warm, the garbage bags came off halfway up.
The trees and foliage were beautiful and peaceful. You will see this downed tree shortly after beginning your hike. Friends make hiking that much more fun.
We continued to follow the sound of rushing water and came upon the majestic twin falls. It was hard to capture the entire image.
We did continue for a little while longer just for fun and we saw a cave across the way. My son Riley is convinced that Sasquatch lives there.
We then went across a narrow bridge and decided to turn back around and head down.
This hike left me wanting more for sure. I really like the hikes that allow you to choose your distance. You still can hit a great viewpoint without going all the way to the top. A great hike for all.
You do not need a forest pass to park at this trailhead and there is one port-a-potty on the dirt road leading to the trailhead. It smelled fresh but was out of toilet paper, so make sure to bring some in your Hiking Essentials Kit.
It really is the last chance.
To get here take exit 208 off of I-5 and drive 4 miles east on State Route 530 to Arlington. Then continue east on SR 530 for 20 more miles. At milepost 41, near a subdivision, turn right onto Forest Road 2010 (French Creek Road) and continue for 3.7 miles to the trailhead.
All I can say is WOW! We went to Bridal Veil Falls near Index WA on July 28th and it was amazing! This is about a 5 mile hike medium in difficulty. The trails are quite narrow with some mud and water over the walkway. Some areas are also rocky so watch your step. I wouldn't recommend bringing anyone under 5 years old.
Don't let the trail fool you. It was narrow with lots of bugs and not fabulous views. The forest was nice and quiet with birds sounding in the distance.
You will walk through the forest for about 1 1/2 miles and the trees open up to amazing views of the tree and snow filled mountains. My boys just wanted to sit there and enjoy the view for a while.
After this viewpoint you will walk a bit further and see a sign that points right for the falls and left for Lake Serene ( about 2 more miles with strenuous switchbacks). We stayed to the right for today.
You will notice as you continue up that the temperature slowly cools and you know you are getting close. You will pass a moss covered rock on the right and then you will hit the STEPS.
We counted 187 on our way. Whenever I count stairs I always seem to be off by a few. See how many you can count and let me know how close we were.
As I took pictures the boys got a lead on me and all I hear is them yelling "Oh my gosh mom! You have to see this." This must be good!
So I continued up to the top and they were right! Amazing! We were so close, we could feel the cool mist on our faces and could touch the icy water!
These pictures and videos can never show the true majesty and beauty of God's creations. Just know that everything posted here is even more beautiful in person. My oldest son said that this is the best hike yet and we have done many. I always tell my kids when we see these awesome sights that you have to work hard to experience the best life has to offer and this is a perfect example. We sat for about a half an hour just watching the falls before we had to go back down. We didn't want to leave.
To get to the trailhead, travel east on Highway 2 from Monroe, WA. At milepost 35.2, about 21 miles east of Monroe, turn right onto Mount Index Road (Forest Road 6020 - gravel). Travel 0.3 mile on Forest Road 6020 and branch right onto Forest Road 6020-109 (gravel) follow the sign that says Lake Serene. The trailhead parking is just ahead. A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park at the trailhead. There are two potties in the parking area (pretty fresh when we were there).
I hope you enjoy this hike as much as we did. We made a couple of really fun stops on the way home that I will ad in a new page called "fun stops on the way". Keep your eyes peeled.
I always like to hear your comments, so if you have a favorite hike, comment, or question, let me know! You can also get email notifications when I make a new post by following me by email at the top of the page.
