9 min
Overview
NOTICE: Trails in this area were affected by the 2020 Lionshead Fire. Please check current closures in the Mt. Hood National Forest before planning an outing. Trails keep close to the shores of the two largest lakes in the Olallie Lake Scenic Area, with a short road section at Monon Lake and a longer section on FR 4220 (Skyline Road) along the west shore of Olallie Lake, allowing the hiker to make a pleasant double loop. You will get great views of Olallie Butte and Mount Jefferson and the tranquil lakes offer several small inlets and peninsulas as well as wetlands, coniferous woodland, and delicious huckleberries, especially along the east shores of the lakes, in late summer ("Olallie" means huckleberry in Chinook Jargon). The Olallie Lakes area was covered by an ice sheet during the Pleistocene Epoch, and the various lakes fill depressions carved by glacial ice. The middle part of the hike, encompassing the south shore of Olallie Lake and the north shores of Monon Lake, was scorched by a fire in 2001. No swimming is allowed in Olallie Lake and motorboats are not permitted on either lake. Cross FR 4220 to the day-use area, where there’s a great view across the dock area to Mount Jefferson. Walk a short stretch under conifers and past the historic Olallie Ranger Station to the Olallie Lake Resort Store, where you can purchase a good map of the area. Then, head down the shore on a logged-lined trail below the cabins. Olallie Butte looms above. The trail heads into the Paul Dennis Campground, shaded by mountain hemlock, subalpine fir, silver fir, lodgepole pine, and Alaska yellow-cedar. Look for Trail #731, which heads into the woods from Campsite #15. There’s an understory of huckleberry and grouseberry. Pass a walk-in campsite, head up into the 2001 burn and then down into the woods. Bear-grass becomes part of the carpet here. Reach the unsigned Olallie Lake-Long Lake Trail Junction in what is officially the Warms Springs Reservation. As of 2017, a sign has been posted stating that only tribal members and au
Trail Stats
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45 m
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Photos
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400px-OlallieMononMap
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