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Olallie State Park: A Cascade Mountain Escape

Explore lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and thrilling outdoor adventures in this scenic Cascade Mountain park near Seattle.

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Nestled in the western Cascade Mountains, Olallie State Park offers a quick escape from Seattle with its lush forests, dramatic waterfalls, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and fishing. The park's diverse landscape and convenient location make it a popular year-round destination [4, 14].

A brief summary to Olallie State Park

  • Monday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 6:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 6:30 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to the park and can be purchased online or at the automated pay station [3, 4, 14].
  • Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially at popular spots like the Twin Falls Trail [6].
  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots, as trails can be muddy and rocky, especially during the rainy season [4].
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy at the South Fork Picnic Area, which has tables and grills available on a first-come, first-served basis [1, 4, 14].
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the climate in the Cascade Mountains can be unpredictable [15].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From North Bend, drive southeast on SE North Bend Way, which becomes SE Homestead Valley Road. The park entrance is approximately 5 miles from North Bend. Look for the Olallie State Park sign. Parking is available in several lots throughout the park [4]. A Discover Pass is required [3, 4, 6]. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends [4].

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Renton, take the Metro Bus Route 156 towards North Bend [15]. Get off at the stop on SE North Bend Way & 436th Ave SE. From there, walk approximately 1.5 miles northeast to reach the park entrance on SE Homestead Valley Rd [15]. The one-way bus fare is around $2.75 [15].

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Discover more about Olallie State Park

Olallie State Park, located just five miles southeast of North Bend, Washington, is a 2,329-acre day-use park that provides a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience [8, 14]. Established in 1950, the park was originally named Twin Falls State Park, but was renamed in 1976 to Olallie, a Chinook word for berries that are abundant in the area [1, 8, 13]. The park's most prominent feature is the 135-foot-high Twin Falls, but it also boasts four other notable waterfalls: Middle Twin Falls, Upper Twin Falls, Weeks Falls, and Upper Weeks Falls [1, 8]. Moderate hiking trails lead past these falls and through old-growth forests [1, 4]. The park also provides access to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, a converted rail line popular for hiking, biking, and horseback riding [1, 14]. Rock climbing is another popular activity, with several climbing areas available [1, 3]. Olallie State Park is not only a recreational haven but also a valuable resource for environmental education and research [12]. Its diverse ecosystems provide opportunities to study wildlife, plant life and the impact of human activities. Visitors can also explore the remnants of the Snoqualmie Wagon Road, an original route from Ellensburg to Seattle in the 1800s [1, 13].

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