Twin Lakes

Lower Twin Lake is a great destination for a short walk, and it is an especially good choice for families. The hike is not very challenging, and the well-built trail winds through beautiful old-growth forests before leading to a rewarding lake that is great for swimming. The hike begins on the far left edge of the Frog Lake Sno-Park under the blue blazes that mark the ski trail in the winter. The route begins as a gentle but persistent climb to a ridge through towering fir trees and a rich understory of huckleberry bushes, following the Pacific Crest Trail. Limited views of Mount Hood can be seen through the trees along the upper sections of the trail. On a saddle at the top of the ridge, at a clearly marked junction, head right toward Twin Lakes. From here the trail drops into the Twin Lakes Basin. Soon, filtered views of the lake appear, and after a half-mile, turn right at another junction toward multiple campsites in a clearing along the lake shore. This area is a good place to stop for lunch and a swim. An unmarked and obvious trail leads around the lake, sticking close to the shoreline. Approximately a dozen unmarked and well-developed backcountry campsites, most within view of the lake, dot the trail around the lake.