Olallie Trail - North Bend Washington

This newer trail was developed in a parcel of state park land that is quickly turning toward Old Growth forest. The trail starts at a low elevation and works its way up toward the summit of Mt. Washington before continuing on the ridge east to numerous other hiking destinations. Being a shared use trail, there are mountain bikers and they are the main user group, so keep an ear out. The trailhead is close to some of the most popular trails in the state but this trail is not easily found, keeping most hikers away. To reach the trailhead, its either a 2 mile walk from a Exit 32 trailhead or a 3 mile walk from Exit 38 trailhead, both on the easy Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. Once reaching the Olallie Trail, the forest walk is mostly all uphill but being a mountain bike trail, the grade is easier than hiking trails up mountains. Several viewpoints are encountered along the way and most turn back once they are tired. The trip can be somewhat of a loop if you combine Cedar Butte and use the west access. This also makes an excellent winter trip when higher trails are under snow.

From the west, you can start up the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail by parking at the Cedar Falls Trailhead. This is right next to the Rattlesnake Ledge trailhead in North Bend, Exit 32. From the East, you can park at the Homestead Trailhead in Olallie State Park, just off Exit 38. A short trail from the parking lot takes you up to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail where you must hike down 3 miles to the Olallie Trail trailhead.