Olallie Trail

Slushy up high, but totally worth it for the solitude. Very peaceful.

The old-growth sections were magical under a light dusting of snow. Beautiful views of the Cascade peaks!

Wet and muddy in spots, especially near the lower Iron Horse Trail junction. Dress for it.

Epic late-fall hike on Olallie Trail. The ground was a mix of damp earth and fallen leaves, giving it a soft crunch. We started early, just as the fog was lifting, creating an ethereal glow through the canopy of old-growth trees. Around the higher elevations, closer to the Mount Washington access, we started hitting significant patches of slushy snow. Micro-spikes would have made the footing much easier, but we managed carefully. It was wonderfully quiet, barely saw anyone else until we were nearly back at the parking lot. A truly immersive wilderness experience for those prepared for the conditions.

Ran into deep snow about 7 miles in. Needed gaiters and spikes to continue to Mt. Washington access.

Perfect conditions this early fall! The forest air was crisp. Just a few bikers.

Trail was dry and clear. Saw a black bear near the Cedar Butte turnoff, keep your eyes peeled.

Beautiful morning hike. The towering Douglas firs are always impressive. Minimal crowds.

Backpacked this route over two days. The density of the towering Douglas firs provides excellent shade, but also means the trail can feel quite enclosed at times, especially with the ferns crowding the lower sections. Camping spots were adequate, nothing fancy but served their purpose. The main challenge was definitely sharing the path with mountain bikers; while most were polite, a few came around corners quite fast, making me constantly aware. The highlight was reaching the higher elevations and seeing the impressive snow-capped peaks of the Cascade Range. Prepare for mosquitoes near any damp areas!

A challenging climb but excellent workout. Bugs were noticeable near any standing water, so pack spray.

Very hot day on the trail. Bring plenty of water. The shaded forest sections offered some relief.

Came for a long trail run and the Olallie Trail delivered! The steady incline through the forested sections was a fantastic workout. Around mile 8, there was a deep water crossing due to recent snowmelt which was a bit tricky but added to the adventure. I didn't reach the very end as I heard it could be quite overgrown, but the views from a couple of the well-placed benches were spectacular, overlooking the valley and distant Cascade peaks. Definitely bring hydration and fuel for this one, it's a marathon, not a sprint!

Saw a cougar cross the path up ahead, just past the Iron Horse junction. Keep aware of your surroundings.

This trail truly lives up to its 'difficult' rating, but the rewards are incredible. Started before sunrise, and the cool morning air through the old-growth forests was invigorating. The initial gravel path transition into single-track was smooth. Higher up, the trail became rockier and more challenging, requiring careful footing. I only encountered a few early-morning mountain bikers, who were all very courteous. The quiet solitude near the Mount Washington summit access was profound, offering peaceful moments before turning back. Just remember to grab a Discover Pass for parking!

the flowy turns on the descent were super fun, lots of bikers but everyone was friendly. good conditions.

Wildflowers were still blooming vibrantly along the lower sections of the Olallie Trail. Absolutely gorgeous!

A good challenge. Mostly well-maintained, but some overgrown ferns made it a bit narrow in spots on the climb.

This was my first time on the Olallie Trail, and it was a real eye-opener. The beginning section, sharing with the Iron Horse Trail, felt like a warm-up. But once the single-track started climbing, it was relentless. The forest scenery is undeniably beautiful, with massive cedars creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. I heard reports of cougar sightings in the area beforehand, which kept me a little on edge, especially in the quieter, denser parts of the woods. Made it to about a mile past the Cedar Butte turnoff before deciding to head back, a good 10-mile round trip. Definitely felt the difficulty by the end!

Parking was surprisingly easy on a weekday. The views of the Cascade peaks from the higher clearings were amazing.

Still patches of snow around mile 7 when nearing the Mount Washington access, but manageable without spikes.

great trail for running, lots of elevation. shared with bikers but it was fine. definitely be back.