Olallie/Radio Mountain

getting there

Take Exit 54 off of I-90 and turn south and then right onto SR 906. Continue northwest on SR 906 to the parking lot at Silver Fir Lodge, Snoqualmie Summit East (aka Hayak) Ski Area.

ski & Snowshoe route

From the parking lot head briefly up the ski slope, then follow the road to the left until it crosses Hyak Creek. The signed (but often unused) Nordic Pass snowshoe route parallels Hyak Creek to Hyak Lake. Contour around the lake to the south, then ascend west to intersect the road system above. Follow the road system generally south until above the east end of Rockdale Lake and find a little-trafficked spur road to the right (southwest); this road appears on Caltopo but not USGS maps. Follow it until it ends in the saddle east of Ollalie/Radio Mountain and west of the small 3,800 ft closed contour between Rockdale and Frog Lakes. Ascend the slopes to the west, either heading directly uphill or following the winding service road to the radio tower.

notes

• This route lies along the Summit Nordic area but uses as section of the blue diamond marked "Nordic Pass" ski route through the forest to avoid the groomed tracks and groomed track fees.
• The "Radio Mountain" name comes from the high point of the route which is  at a radio facility west looking down to I-90 over cliffs.
• There are views from the radio tower but the summit is treed.
• To the east of the high point are short, but enjoyable clear cut slopes and southeast lies old growth forest for "YoYo" ski runs.

• Suitable Activities: Backcountry Skiing, Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Category: Intermediate
• Seasons: January, February, March
• Weather: View weather forecast
• View avalanche forecast.

• Difficulty: Moderate, M1 Intremediate Ski
• Length: 7.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
• High Point: 4,400 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Snoqualmie Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12