Talapus and Olallie Lakes
Fall color arriving at Talapus Lake
11 this month · 188 reports
Snoqualmie Region
The Snow Lake trail is currently in good condition and snow-free. While the main trail to Snow Lake is generally suitable for all vehicles, report R3 notes the road to the Dingford Creek trailhead is rough but passable. Parking at the main lot can fill up quickly, with recommendations to arrive before 7:00 AM on weekends to secure a spot, September 11. Early fall colors are beginning to appear, particularly on wild blueberry shrubs, September 10. Some sections of the trail are rocky, with occasional unrepaired or washed-out steps, though caution tape is present in affected areas, September 11, September 9, September 9. Notably, the trail was scheduled for closure for trail work and rock blasting from September 14 to September 25, though this closure started over a week ago. Pikas and grouse have been reported on or near the trail, September 9, September 9, September 9, September 7.
Generated from 213 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The trail was scheduled for closure from September 14 to September 25 for trail work, including rock blasting. As of today, September 23, 2026, this closure period has passed, suggesting the trail may now be open, but it is advisable to confirm locally.
The trail is generally in good condition, but some sections are quite rocky, September 9, September 7. There are also some unrepaired or slightly washed-out steps in the upper regions, with caution tape marking these areas, September 9.
Parking at the main lot can fill up very quickly. To guarantee a spot, it is recommended to arrive before 7:00 AM on Saturdays, September 11. On a weekday, parking was ample at 11 AM, and the upper lot was half full at the start and end of a hike on a Wednesday.
Several reports mention sightings of pikas and pikas making nests, September 9, September 9, September 9, September 7, September 28. Grouse have also been observed near the Rock Creek Trail junction. One report from August 31 mentioned hearing a mountain lion and encountering a black bear in the area, but no recent reports confirm these specific large mammal sightings.
Fall color arriving at Talapus Lake
11 this month · 188 reports
Aggressive chipmunks are eager for your snacks
11 this month · 146 reports
Fall color arriving on shrub maples
11 this month · 85 reports
Fall color is starting to pop
10 this month · 190 reports
Fall color arriving, mushrooms popping
8 this month · 176 reports
Fall colors starting to arrive
8 this month · 129 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
The Snow Lake trail will be closed starting Monday, 9-14-26 for at least a week, possibly to 9-25-26. This is for trail work on the switchbacks up to Snow Lake and includes rock blasting, so this clos...
On a September Saturday, BarkingSpider and I set off for Snow Lake via the Middle Fork backdoor.We started from the Dingford Creek trailhead. While the road to the trailhead is rough, I felt comfortab...
We arrived around 7:45 AM and the lot was about half full.I had been avoiding this trail since the last time I hiked it 25 years ago because of how busy it can be. We started hiking at 8:15 AM, and th...
This is my 4th time doing this trail but first time backpacking. Despite the crowds of this hike I was surprise to find little trash (only dog waste bags- come on dog owners!). easily found a camping ...
When we arrived at the parking lot it was about 20% full with constant new arrivals at about 9:30 AM. There were lots of people on the trail, but despite that, people were quite dispersed once we were...
I was guessing the crowds at Snow Lake would thin out after Labor Day and that appears to have happened. I deliberately went up the Source Lake route and was originally planning on doing some of the h...
My midweek hike to Gem Lake yielded stunning alpine vistas with the spiky Kaleetan Peak and Mount Roosevelt reflected across the still waters of the sapphire mountain lake. Mountain hemlock dominated ...
Beautiful lake. Saw several pikas. Stopped at first lake access. It was only 3 miles to the lake on my GPS but a very rocky trail made it seem longer.
Quite rocky some parts, good hiking shoes and poles recommended. Good views not only at the lake but also on the way. A lot of pikas. Very adorable.
Nothing to report for Snow/Gem Lake.For Wildcat Lakes - trail is obvious all the way. After Gem Lake, the trail wraps around the lake and you should see a sign pointing to Wildcat. Then you go through...