Twin Lakes

Distance: 5.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 740 feet.

The Twin Lakes are a couple a pretty and popular mountain lakes located in the shadow of Mt Hood, although you can’ really see Mt Hood, except for a peak-a-boo view at the Upper Lake. The Lower Lake is an extremely popular beginning backpacking trip which will often times have dozens of tents staked up around it. There is even an outhouse. The lake also makes for a great swimming destination, which helps to elevate its popularity as a family-friendly destination.

The trail leaves from the Frog Lake Sno-Park, just off of Highway 26. The trail starts on the northern end of the parking area and heads just a hundred feet or so before intersecting with the Pacific Crest Trail. Make a right and begin your trudge up towards the lakes.

The PCT slowly climbs up the ridge. The forest is a nice mixture of old growth Douglas fir and Mountain Hemlock, giving you a nice, shady path. Early in the summer, watch for rhododendrons and bear grass to be blooming (although you may have to deal with some snow).

After 1.6 miles and about 500 feet of climbing, you will reach the junction with the Twin Lakes Trail. Leave the PCT here and head to the right and begin you approach to the lakes. As you start to traverse down the hillside, you may head screaming and splashing down below. If you squint through the trees, you may even be able to spot the sparkling blue waters of Lower Twin Lake

At just over 2 miles, you will reach a junction with the trail that heads down to Lower Twin Lake. It’s just a quick little jaunt down to the lake and its amazingly blue water. If you have some extra gas in the tank, there is a mile long trail that circles around the lake, but there aren’t any views of Mt Hood from here. If you are a little warm from the exertion of the hike, take a quick dip in this rocky bottomed beauty.

Once you have had your fill, head back up the trail to the Twi Lakes Trail and head right. It’s about a ¾ of a mile hike and another 200 feet of climbing, but you will find yourself at scenic Upper Twin Lake. Upper Twin is a little more marshy than the lower lake, with a muddy bottom which doesn’t make for the best swimming. But, from the south side of the lake, you can see the glacier carved summit of Mt Hood peaking over the ridge. Just watch out for some very aggressive jays if you are trying to enjoy your lunch. There is also a ¾ of a mile trail the encircles this lake if you want to see if from every angle. Once you are happy here, you can either continue hiking (if you are just full of ambition) and complete the Palmateer Point Loop, or head back to the trailhead.

Directions

To reach the Twin Lakes trailhead, head out on Highway 26 towards Mt Hood. The trailhead is located at Frog Lake Sno-Park, 4.2 miles south the of the Highway 35 interchange or 41 miles north of Warm Springs. The Sno-Park will be on the east side of the road.

Things to Know

Passes:A Northwest Forest Pass is required at this trailhead.

Dogs: Allowed and must be on leash or under voice congrol at all times.

Usage: Heavy

Flowers: Some flowers, rhododendrons and bear grass can be found in June and early July.

Open Season: The trail is open year round and is a good snowshoe trail in the winter. For hiking, the trail should be snow free by late June to early July.