Mid Week Hike: Hall & Olallie Points

Current weather forecast is predicting temps to push 80 this week, so let's go charge up a steep trail off exit 38!

This is a moderate paced hike with a steep 1+ mile climb. You must be in good condition to enjoy this hike.

Meet at the park and ride ready to go at 5:30. Meet on the west side of the parking structure, nearest the corner of 140th Ave SE and SE 32nd St. If you can look up and see a highway overpass, you're on the wrong side!

The trailhead is at exit 38 off I90. Follow the frontage road east until the large half-paved/half gravel pullout on the left by the bridge over Change Creek. If you see the entrance to Olallie State Park on the left, you've just gone too far. If you're meeting at the trailhead, boots on trail at 6:00.

The trail to Hall Point is a short, steep climb with spectacular views. It starts with the climber's access trail along Change Creek to the old Iron Horse train trellis. Follow the Iron Horse path east and pick up the trail heading up into the woods on the right. From there, it's an unrelenting 1-1.5mi climb up to the point.

We'll regather at the point to soak in the views and catch our breath, then head back down. A few minutes back down the trail, we'll pick up a short side trip out to Olallie point, which will take us to the top of the cliff we've been skirting on our way in. This part has a pair of knife-edge rock sections we'll need to scramble over. Nothing too serious, but they are quite narrow and screwing up here would hurt. A lot. This part is totally optional though.

Expect around 3-4 miles with maybe 1400 foot gain, although it always feels like more to me. We'll travel at a moderate pace - and should complete the trip in around 2 hours (1h up, 10m break at Hall Point, 15m break at Olallie, 30m down) We should be done before sunset, but it gets dark early in the trees, so definitely pack a light!

What to bring:

Water, snacks, an extra layer or two, and whatever gear you typically need to stay safe and comfortable.

Headlamp or flashlight is mandatory. Trip times are estimates, and it gets dark quickly in the forest.

Itinerary:

5:30 PM Depart Eastgate P&R

6:00 PM Start hiking

~7:00 PM Arrive at Hall Point

~7:15 PM Head to Olallie Point

~7:30 PM Leave Olallie Point

~8:00 PM Arrive back at our cars