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Olallie State Park is a day-use park in the foothills of the Cascades. The park features dramatic falls, cliff formations, riverbanks and old-growth trees up to 14 feet in diameter. An interpretive trail at Weeks Falls tells visitors the history of a wagon trail that once went through the park.
Just below the falls lies the Weeks Falls Hydroelectric Project. An placard explains how a diversion dam pools the waters of the Snoqualmie river. The water then plunges through a large pipe leading to the penstocks and turbines within the large concrete structure.
The park’s name, “Olallie,” is the Chinook word for “berry.” The area boasts plenty of huckleberries.
Distance: 1 mile
Destination: Loop trail
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: None
Getting there: From Interstate 90, take exit 38 and turn right at the stop sign. Drive a half-mile to Olallie State Park, about four miles east of North Bend. Pass the ranger’s home and continue about a half-mile. Keep a eye out for the Weeks Falls trailhead. It’s to the right of a sign with a map of the area.
The Trek: After parking, pick up the trail.
Hikers are immediately greeted by the massive root ball of a fallen tree. The tree had fallen across the road, but was recently moved to its current location with the help of some heavy machinery.
Reaching a fork, proceed right. Go right at the next fork as well. The trail to the left will be used on the return route.
As is the norm on these rain-heavy slopes of the North Cascades, there are plenty of ferns, massive cedars and Douglas fir trees.
A sign explains the finer aspects of “Forest Recycling” on a grand scale. The forest grew out of the ashes of a massive fire that scorched the area in the 1300s. Also explained is how snags, as well as weakened trees, supply nutrients for flora and fauna.
Venture past a massive cedar stump. The tree was felled by loggers near the turn of the century. Six springboard notches attest to not only the size of the arbor, but the amount of manpower it took to bring it to the ground.
Signs of early logging are evident along the trail as are the signs of Mother Nature’s work. A steep hillside is littered with trees brought down by winter storms.
Pass below a rock face and cross a bridge spanning a babbling brook.
Encounter a pair of huge cedar trees, the second of which is jaw dropping in size.
At a “T” intersection, proceed to the right and up a hill, passing another huge stump.The trail ends at a gravel road, the same road used to enter the park. The fallen remains of yet another gigantic tree lie parallel to the road.
Proceed left and make your way around a large gate. Trek upon a sidewalk that leads to the dam and the sign mentioned above.
Continue past the dam. The sidewalk ends at the Weeks Falls overlook. The view from this point is obstructed as a tree has fallen across the lower falls.
From here, one can see the upper falls and several of the plunge pools.
For an unobstructed view, scramble over the waist-high cement wall and the fallen tree. This should not be attempted by anyone who is not sure footed. Once on the other side of the tree, the entirety of the falls can be seen.
Retracing one’s steps, return to the dam and walk down a flight of stairs to a concrete overlook to the right of the spillway. The falls’ final plunge pool can be seen on the right.
Reconnecting with the trail, proceed right. At the fork, continue straight. Several spur trails lead down stairs, allowing for shoreline views of the Snoqualmie River. Take a seat on a bench or venture onto the rocky bars.
Cross over a footbridge and continue down the trail. Another sign titled “Pioneer Travel” explains that a puncheon road led settlers through the area. To the left of the sign, three wood slabs, laid flat-side up, can be seen. These are the remains of the road.
At the next fork, go right. Take the next left to return to the rig.
Weeks Falls
Vince Richardson
The Snoqualmie River cascades over Weeks Falls.
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