Olallie Lake via Pratt Lake Trail

You’re bound to run into all manner of people on the Pratt Lake Trail: trail runners, families, beginning hikers, backpackers hungry for a night out in the woods, even folks looking for fish (in the lakes, not on the trail). All that traffic does a number on the trail, but fortunately WTA work parties have worked hard here, ensuring that all trail users can easily follow the picturesque path.

The first mile may be crowded, but after passing a junction with the popular Granite Mountain trail, the crowds disperse – or at least spread out. Hike along the wide Pratt Lake Trail, crossing several sweet streams fed by snowbanks high up on the flanks of Granite Mountain. In early spring, these stream crossings can be high, even treacherous, so evaluate each crossing for safety according to your own ability.

Three miles in, you’ll come to a junction. The left-hand fork leads to the Olallie Lake Trail in about a quarter mile. Continue on about another half mile to reach the lakeshore.

Descend to sometimes quiet, sometimes crowded Olallie Lake. There are about three campsites available here, so on busy weekends you'll need to arrive early. Please remember to pack it in and pack it out, and respect the land you stay on.