S4 Kayak #7 - Olalla Reservoir

 Olalla Reservoir

Starting Location: Boat Ramp at Olalla Lake

Point of Interest : lake with wildlife, trail around lake (partial)

Bathrooms: Yes (porta potty)

Parking: gravel lot, good size. 

EV Chargers: No

Rentals: No


This was our second time at Olalla Reservoir. Our first time was during the 4th of July weekend, and it had been packed. Today, we were meeting friends, and bringing someone new to kayaking.



We had planned to meet after 10am, but learned that the gate to the reservoir was locked, and that a ranger was supposed to unlock it by 11. I was expecting a long line of people waiting, but when we finally got to the gate, there were only 6 cars waiting, and the ranger showed up 10 minutes later, so we didn't wait long.

The water level was much lower than in July, and I've heard that it usually gets closed in the fall at some point when the water level is low. However, we were able to get on the lake quickly. 

We had borrowed a kayak for our friend new to kayaking, and gave her a few pointers on land before she got in the boat. 



Once she was in the boat, she quickly got the hang of paddling, and was able to enjoy the benefits of kayaking on a beautiful lake, in perfect weather, with good friends. There was almost no wind, and the temperature was comfortable. We were the only ones on the lake for the first hour.


We made our way to the southeast section, where the lake trail divides the lake, and took our time, mostly just floating and talking. I did get out to check out the water on the other side of the trail, but the mud was very deep and hard to walk in.









There was not a lot of wildlife, but dragonflies were very active, and one landed on Leanna's shoulder for a free ride.

On our way back, we did see a few other kayakers, but the parking lot only had 8 cars in it, and 1 family was on the beach. There is some kind of construction going on near the boat ramp, which we guessed might be a "drain" when the lake level reaches a certain height? 

It was a great day to float, and introduce someone new to kayaking.

We also went into nearby Toledo for lunch, and found a nice little cafe, Cafe 235, where we had really good Hawaiian food, and yummy desserts. Highly recommend.




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