Talapus and Olallie Lakes, Blazer Lake — Friday, Sep. 5, 1997

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

The trails are in remarkably good condition considering the late snow melt this year. All of the windfalls reported earlier in the year have been removed except for the huge cedar hulk blocking the Talapus Lake trail between Olallie Creek and the junction with the Pratt Lake Trail. This one has been around a while and probably will stay. There doesn't appear to be any safe way to remove it. There are the usual mud pits on the Talapus Lake Trail between Olallie Creek and the Pratt Lake Trail junction and on the Pratt Lake Trail east of Olallie Lake. The way to Blazer lake is a chore. Woody brush is very thick. Then the descent into Blazer is very steep, made even more slippery with loose duff. Then there is a mixed scramble down a talus slope to the lake. We circumnavigated the lake with much boulder-hopping and bushwhacking. Blazer Lake is peaceful but you can get the same ambience with less effort by staying up at Rainbow Lake. There is a bee nest somewhere along the northwest shore of Olallie Lake. Huckleberries are coming out, but please leave some for the bears. The summer wildflower show is about over. There are four designated sites at Olallie Lake - please use these sites to minimize impact. Blazer Lake has one dry site and three along the shore of the lake that are quite damp. Observe campfire prohibitions. Know your wilderness regulations before leaving the trailhead. If you must (and are permitted to) have a fire, put it dead out when you're done. Stir water in to completely extinguish the coals. The coals should be cold to the touch.