The Twins

Waldo Lake is a popular area for outdoor recreation. There are endless opportunities for mountain biking, horseback riding, and boating. But there are also incredible hikes that explore the forest. The hike to the Twins is a great way to get a bird's-eye view of the entire area ideas for your next adventure. The Twins (or Twin Peaks) is a cinder cone with a double summit located just east of Waldo Lake. The trail to the Twins climbs moderately through a dry forest, crossing the Pacific Crest Trail along the way. The real draw of this hike, however, comes in the last half mile. Just after the junction with the summit trail, the trees begin to dwindle in number and size. The tread changes from dirt to crumbly cinder, and the pitch becomes steeper. Small, colorful succulents cling to life amid the rugged rocks. Along the final stretch to South Twin, look in every direction for views of the Cascades, Waldo Lake, and dozens of other lakes scattered through the forest. Although the official trail ends on the top of South Twin, a well-trodden user trail leads down to a saddle and back up to North Twin. It's worth the extra quarter mile of walking to hit both viewpoints. If you're exploring this trail by bike, park it in the trees before ascending the summit trail. Bicycles are prohibited to protect the fragile alpine habitat.