Washington has had rain on the radar for the last week or so, but on the not so rare occasion the forecast is wrong (aka it’s always wrong) I take advantage of the incorrect report. Last weekend, October decided to play nice and remind me why it’s my favorite month.
Crisp and cold air, with bright shining sun.
Where’s the best place to go on a chilly yet sunny day? The mountains, for a lake hike. One lake is like a pancake, two lakes is like a waffle. I like waffles more than pancakes so when I find a hike that gives me not only one lake, but TWO within the adventure I’m sold!
Social media never ceases to amaze me in its ability to bring people together. After many months of following each other on Instagram, Cailey and I met in real life a few weeks ago. She was just the spunky, upbeat hiking companion I was looking for, and she and I embarked on this quest together.
Did I mention how amazing Washington is during the fall? This trail was very mild, which was a welcomed change from some of my typical hikes. 6.2 total miles and a modest 1,200ft elevation gain allowed my mental focus to soak in the trees around me and digest the conversations about food, dogs, and life.
It didn’t take long to arrive at the first lake, and it showed up sooner than expected. I almost didn’t see it tucked down to the left of the trail, but after walking towards the opening trees I was enamored.
A horseshoe like view with a dip in the middle of the mountain gave an awe worthy sight. A man and woman were to the left of us, enjoying a snack with their dog. If it weren’t for them, I’d not have realized this was the first lake. Often times on these hikes there are mini “lake like” bodies of water scattered among the trail, and I almost mistook this for one of those.
In order to get the above photo I had to billy goat my way across a handful of wet logs. I saw my life flash before my eyes multiple times, and by my life I mean my body soaked from lake water. #worthit. I’ve perfected the billy goat, reminds me of this adventure…
Another mile and some change up the path led to the other lake of the day. One thing I love about this area of trails is that there are many paths that intertwine together, making for endless possibilities. I had to laugh when I saw the sign that pointed towards Pratt Lake, also known as “the lake I thought I may die at.” #dramatic
I plan to go back to Pratt Lake someday, but this trip was dedicated to finding Olallie Lake. At no point on this hike did I loose my breath to the point of not being able to speak, but my heart rate elevated a few times and my clothes needed a good wash when I came home.
I sweat at the drop of a hat.
Sunshine says summer, jacket says fall.
A beautiful day in the mountains with exceptional company. Filling my lungs with the open air and surrounding my sights with green sets me up for a week of success.
Q: Would you balance on rickety logs to get a better photo?
Blissfulbritt 
46 thoughts on “Talapus and Olallie Lakes”
Angie
Ah, so envious of your WA hikes. Love seeing and reading your posts on them! Btw, I like waffles better than pancakes too. Yum. And yes, I probably would balance on the rickety logs to get a better photo, but I’m sure Nick will be overprotective like he always is and stop me…hehehe.
Brittany
HA. You just gotta go when he’s not looking. 😉
Jessica
Love the hike. 🙂 And yes, I would absolutely balance on rickety logs for a better photo!
Brittany
This is why we’re friends!
rootchopper
Love this and the pictures are fantastic. I would not balance on a log for a picture. My doctor says I have the worst balance he’s seen in a healthy person. I would fail a roadside sobriety test even if I was stone cold sober. (So how does he ride a bike, she asks?)
Brittany
HA! That’s great, you must have excellent focus skills on the bike.
Time to Nosh
Gorgeous! I used to live in Seattle and often miss the natural beauty of the PNW. I don’t miss the rain though! Enjoy your hikes.
Brittany
I don’t mind the rain as much as the snow!! HA.
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
hell yes i would do that! when we make our way back to the west coast (when kayla is a bit older), we’re definitely going to go hiking on those wonderful trails you speak of.
Brittany
TAKE ME WITH YOU!
John Kraft
Really lovely. I’m jealous.
Brittany
Was a glorious adventure!
MLisCross
Beautiful! We lived in WA back in 94 while my husband was in the military. We didn’t get to go hiking as we had a two year old at the time, but I really want to come back out there and spend some time on some trails.
Brittany
You must! The trails are amazing.
An Unrefined Vegan
I don’t know – – these views are so incredibly beautiful – – are they real?!
Brittany
The world may never know…come back to WA and we can make it to one!
Lindsay Edwards
Gorgeous!! I love your adventures 🙂
Brittany
I love your face.
Ellie
What fun it must be to meet some one from social media IRL. There is one person who lives about 2 hours away from me that I’ve been meaning to meet up with when I am less busy.
I don’t know if I would balance on rickety things to get a good shot =P I’m no professional like you 🙂
Brittany
I forgot to mention we live in the same town and went to the same high school! Small world!
dave379
Yes to the rickety log for the picture! I generally have good balance but think I’d go for it anyway. Now looking forward to a future hike report with three lakes and finding out what might be better than waffles.
Brittany
Oh man, I accept this challenge! The hunt for three is on!
Josh dV
I”d hang off a cliff for a good picture. My wife doesn’t like to hear that, but she’s happy my life insurance premiums are paid up!
Brittany
Haaahaha. I can feel the elevated heart rate watching you take a photo.
Anthony
Your hikes look so wonderful. This one, full of conversation about food, dogs and life, seems like one I would want to go on. Thanks for being so inspirational and so real.
Brittany
Thank YOU for being a loyal reader, letting me blab about what I love and always coming back for more. 🙏🏻
Jade
Oh my gosh that is so pretty. I love Washington in the fall, and every other season, but it is so pretty.
Brittany
It’s the BEST in the fall!!
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I find water to be so incredibly soothing, whether it’s a bathtub or the local lake. Our bodies of aqua don’t come surrounded by these gorgeous trees though. The pictures are stunning. I’m glad you have a new hiking buddy.
Brittany
I find it soothing too, well said!
katalysthealth
Do those trees have fur? That looks so awesome!! What a beautiful trip.
Also, I sweat getting dressed. No joke, its bad 😉
Brittany
They do! A northwest type of lichen with a street name of “old mans beard.” 😝
Allie Zottola
I love your comparison of pancakes and waffles with one lake vs two lakes! As usual, your photos are stunning. You always inspire me to get out and explore more!
Brittany
Thank you! Waffles always win for me. 🙈
stateeats
Spectacular photos as usual! Hell yes I would balance on rickety whatever to get a better pic. I climbed a fence a few weeks ago in Nashville to get a shot of the guitar shaped pool where Elvis used to stay when he recorded there -Kat
Brittany
Oh hell yeah! You make me proud.
Kayse
So gorgeous!! I’m glad you found a lovely hiking partner. I’ve definitely put myself in risky situations to get a picture. Even when I’m shooting weddings haha
Brittany
I love it, makes for the best photos!
Heather
I’m glad you didn’t fall in the water, but it would’ve made for a good story… just sayin. Congrats on the billygoating 🙂
Brittany
This is true, I would have described every word. Haha.
Melanie
All of your hikes and photos are so gorgeous!!! The pic you risked your life for is ahhhmazing. What a beautiful place!
Brittany
It was so fun! Thank you. 🤗
Time to Nosh
Gah. You are making me miss the PNW even more. Have you hiked Lake 22? That was by far the toughest hike we experienced but also the most beautiful by far.
Brittany
Not yet!! It is on my list though! Thanks for reminding me. 🙂
Rookieexperiences
The lake shot is stunning! Well worth the risk I’d say hahah
Brittany
Thank you! I think so too.