Talapus Lake

FROM A WESTSIDE CAMPSITE

Looking for a quick morning or evening lake hike?
Just say 
"Talapus Lake" and say no more.
My friends and I hiked up to Talapus Lake a few weeks ago for an evening hike. After running the Rock and Roll half marathon, like we couldn't get enough exercise, we romped up to Talapus on its quick easy 3.2 miles round trip trail!! 

FROM JUST OFF THE TRAIL

Just off I-90 Talapus has easy access. This trail is very popular and  is in great condition because of it. At around 6oo elevation gain beginners and experts alike can meander up the trail with minimal effort. 

The lake holds fish but we weren't able to fish it as half way up the trail while on a quick water break i laid down both fishing poles and accidentally left them there. There they layed halfway up as we sat disappointingly enjoying the evening's mosquito frenzy at the lake. Thanks to gracious hikers both poles were waiting for me back the trailhead.

Several campsites are available at the lake. The lake is very brushy along the shoreline except for the far end of the lake which is only accessed off trail.

Trail: #1039 Talapus lake trail

Miles roundtrip: 3.4 mi

Permit: NW forest pass, if staying overnight in a wilderness permit it required for the alpine lakes wilderness area

Elevation gained: 4,500 feet 

Campsites: I saw 5 total sites

Parking lot: a large number of parking spaces, with a toilet

Map: Green trails map 207S

Wildlife seen: None

Nearby trails: Olallie lake trail- which is another 1.4 miles from Talapus lake. Pratt lake trail #1007, Mt Defiance trail 1009

Directions: From I-5 take exit 45. Follow forest rd 9030. Stay on 9030 by taking a right after .8 miles. The trail will be on 9030 2.4 miles from the right turn.