32. Twin Lakes Loop

 Summary

Length                                7 mile loop

Difficulty                             Moderate

Season                               Summer - Autumn

Elevation range                3,920 – 4,520 feet

Human imprint                  Moderate (hikers)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Attractive noble fir and Douglas-fir old growth.

Description

This popular loop is an equal opportunity old-growth experience: half the time you're west of the Cascade crest, and half the time you're on the east side, though the effect on vegetation is not pronounced. The area receives high use due to easy access, beautiful old forest and lakes, and with a little extra effort a great view of Mt. Hood. Informal, but well-used paths encircle both lakes. The crowds thin out though if you venture beyond Lower Twin Lake or visit on weekdays.

From the big Sno-Park take the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, 2000) east on a moderate uphill grade through mostly old western hemlock and Douglas-fir. Turn right on the Twin Lakes Trail (495) after a mile and a third or so and ascend gently over the crest and down towards Lower Twin Lake. Stately noble fir shares the stage with large Douglas-fir from the crest down to Lower Twin Lake, and all the way to Upper Twin Lake. Heavily used Lower Twin Lake is off to the right at the junction with the Frog Lake Butte Trail (484) about ¾ mile from the PCT junction.

Continue on the Twin Lake Trail from the trail junction at Lower Twin Lake another ¾ mile to the more peaceful Upper Twin Lake. From the lake the trail continues north through younger forest approximately a half mile before reaching a trail junction. A short spur trail to the right joins with the Palmeteer Trail (482), which also junctions with the Twin Lake Trail on the east of the upper lake. Either of these routes will work to complete the loop, or to take a recommended side trip over to Palmeteer Point for striking views of Mt Hood. Continue on the Palmeteer Trail north for approximately ¾ mile to a short spur trail to the right that takes you to the viewpoint.

From the trail junction north of Upper Twin Lake, turn left heading west across the north side of Bird Butte, reaching the PCT ¾ mile later. Turn left on the PCT heading south back towards the trailhead. The second half of this stretch of the PCT traverses a fine noble fir and Douglas-fir old-growth stand. Stay to the right at the junction with the Twin Lake Trail and return to the parking area.

30 Years of Change

The Mt. Hood Wilderness has been expanded (2009) to include most of this loop. The forest appears very little changed.

How to get there

Turn left (east) into a large trailhead parking area off of Highway 26 at Wapinitia Pass, 4-1/4 miles south of the Highway 26/Highway 35 junction.