Hiking to Lower Twin Lake

Lower Twin Lake has some of the most beautiful water I have seen in the Mt. Hood National Forest. It’s blue-green color can be seen from any part of the lake and in some spots, you can see all the way to the bottom.

Before you head up the mountain, grab a $5 Northwest Forest Pass (info below) because you will need it to park. To get to the lake, take Hwy 26 all the way to Frog Lake Sno-Park and start at the Frog Lake Trailhead.

At the beginning, follow the Barlow Pass 5 1/2 trail (pictured below). We got a little confused and followed the sign for Frog Lake trail at first, but that will take you in the opposite direction of Twin Lakes. Once you get down the trail a bit, you will start to see signs for Lower Twin Lake.

This hike is part of the Pacific Crest Trail so you may come across some PCT hikers along the way! 

This heavily wooded hike isn’t hard but there is a bit of an incline as you get closer to the lake. You will start to see glimpses of it about 1/4 mile before you arrive.

Lower Twin Lake is a great place to hike and/or camp in the summer. There are several campsites, a rope swing and it’s not difficult to get to. Let us know if you go in the comments below!

TRAIL DETAILS

Type of Trail: Loop out and backLength: 5-6 MilesDifficulty:  EasyElevation Gain: 1,360 ft. – 4,500 at the high point

Extra Details: The trail is dog-friendly (as long as they are on a leash). Remember to bring bags for waste disposal.

You need a Forest Pass for this hike. Grab one from the Front Desk of Whispering Woods Resort or at different local location. This page will help you if you don’t know where to look.

FOOD

​After hiking, head back to Welches to clean up and get a bite to eat. Some local options are:

• Koya Kitchen for sushi, noodle dishes & fried rice
• Wraptitude for wraps, burgers & drinks
• Skyway Bar & Grill for BBQ, burgers, & salads