Oregon Hiking Trails

Twin Lakes
in the Umpqua National Forest of Oregon

twin Lakes hiking trails, backpacking trails, campgrounds, mountain lakes, off the rogue umpqua national scenic byway in the umpqua national forest in oregon, hiking, backpacking into the lakes gives stupendous views of the cascade mountains of oregon: mt thielsen, crater lake, gives old growth forests, abundant wildflowers of all types. beautiful, almost beyond words, lakes abutting a magnificent cliff face, campsites available with fire rings all this in the umpqua river watershed of the umpqua national forest, abundance in itself: little river watershed of the wild and scenic umpqua river watershed: shadow waterfalls and hiking trails, cavitt creek recreation area: waterfalls, day use and campgrounds under the auspices of roseburg, oregon blm, wolf creek waterfalls and hiking trail, yakso waterfalls and hiking trail, hemlock waterfalls and hiking trail, (hemlock waterfalls and yakso waterfalls are at the campground for the lake in the woods and hemlock campground), grotto waterfalls and hiking trail. north umpqua river hiking trails, camping, rafting, fishing and more: deadline falls and hiking trail, north umpqua river hiking trail in oregon, susan creek waterfall: hiking trail, campground and day use area, fall creek waterfall and hiking trail, steamboat creek waterfalls and hiking trail and campground, toketee waterfalls and hiking trails, watson waterfalls and hiking trails, lemolo waterfalls, lemolo lake, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming. south umpqua river: south umpqua waterfalls: swimming, picnicking, cathedral waterfalls and hiking trail, campbell waterfalls and hiking trail in boulder creek wilderness. row river watershed in the umpqua river watershed of oregon: brice creek: campgrounds, day use areas, swimming, sunbathing, wildwater waterfalls lane country park: picnicking and swimming, hiking trails and waterfalls, trestle creek upper and lower waterfalls and hiking trails, parker waterfalls and hiking trails, layng creek: campgrounds, spirit waterfalls and hiking trails, moon falls and hiking trails, pinard waterfalls and hiking trails.

Forward ~ Campgrounds in the Diamond Lake District of the Umpqua National Forest

Back ~ Scenery on the Wild and Scenic Umpqua River and Tributaries.

USFS: The Umpqua National Forest of Oregon. BLM Roseburg District of the Bureau of Land Management.

There are two ways to approach Twin Lakes. Brad and I took the eastern route, which I describe in some detail below. If you're approaching Twin Lakes from the west, take the turnoff to follow the Little River at Glide, Oregon. Continue on Little River Road for 20 miles when it wil turn into FS 27, a gravel road. Stay on Rd. 27, you'll come to Lake in the Woods Campground. - If you want to make an extended journey of your trip, stop at the campground for Lake in the Woods and take the hikes to beautiful Yakso Waterfall on the Little River and Hemlock Falls on Hemlock Creek. Whatever you decide, you need to continue past Lake in the Woods on FS 27 for about 3 miles where you'll turn left on 2715. Follow 2715 for 8 miles to Road #2715-530. Turn left. At the end of the road find the trailhead for Twin Lakes Trail #1500.

To approach from the east: Driving on Oregon Hwy 138, the Rogue Umpqua National Scenic Byway, perhaps your journey originated at Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake or other points east: Once you see the sign for Toketee Waterfalls on your right, you'll know that it's about 6 miles to the turnoff for Twin Lakes. Soon the Umpqua River will appear on your right. Not long after Boulder Flats campground you'll see the sign for Twin Lakes. You don't want the river to be on your left, so turn left immediately before the river moves onto the other side of the road. After turning, you'll be on FS 4770. If by some chance you do find the river on your left, you need to turn around, cross the bridge, turn right to be on FS 4770. FS 4770 is where you want to be. After turning, you can stop to take in a nice view of the Umpqua at a pull out. Otherwise, keep going. You'll see a sign that says 10 miles to Twin Lakes, and that's what it says in the site for the Umpqua National Forest, but it's not quite 10 miles. I always check my odometer when embarking on such a journey as this, and the trailhead was a little more than 9 miles from the sign. I tell you this because Brad thought we should continue on this road that was barely a road anymore. I kept saying that this had to be the trailhead, and I refused to take my car - a street car on that road. As it turned out, the wide opening in the road is the trailhead. :-)

The forest is quite lovely on the drive up there. As I said, when the road opens up with a parking area and a vault toilet, you'll know you're at the trailhead. Look for the trailhead off to the right. There's a signboard such as are quite familiar in national forest campgrounds, at trailheads, etc. Take the trail through stands of old growth Doug Firs. In a short distance, the trail offers a turn to the right or left, with no sign indicating the way to go. Turn to the right. Soon after you'll see a sign that says 1 mile to Twin Lakes, and gives information about accessing the trailhead to Twin Lakes from the west. Not long after this the vista will open up. It's there you can a sense of expansive grandeur with views of mountains and forests that go on for miles. Throughout this hike, you'll find the trail banked by garlands of wildflowers. We were there on July 20th, so that gives you an idea of what to expect. If you go earlier, you can see a veritable flower bed of wild rhododendrons along the trails that encompass the lakes. We were too late for that. Still, the trail is characterized by expansive meadows brimming with wildflowers right up until you get your first view of the Big Lake. Before the lake however, the cliff that abuts both lakes comes into view, a promise of what's to come.

twin Lakes hiking trails, backpacking trails, campgrounds, mountain lakes, off the rogue umpqua national scenic byway in the umpqua national forest in oregon, hiking, backpacking into the lakes gives stupendous views of the cascade mountains of oregon: mt thielsen, crater lake, gives old growth forests, abundant wildflowers of all types. beautiful, almost beyond words, lakes abutting a magnificent cliff face, campsites available with fire rings all this in the umpqua river watershed of the umpqua national forest, abundance in itself: little river watershed of the wild and scenic umpqua river watershed: shadow waterfalls and hiking trails, cavitt creek recreation area: waterfalls, day use and campgrounds under the auspices of roseburg, oregon blm, wolf creek waterfalls and hiking trail, yakso waterfalls and hiking trail, hemlock waterfalls and hiking trail, (hemlock waterfalls and yakso waterfalls are at the campground for the lake in the woods and hemlock campground), grotto waterfalls and hiking trail. north umpqua river hiking trails, camping, rafting, fishing and more: deadline falls and hiking trail, north umpqua river hiking trail in oregon, susan creek waterfall: hiking trail, campground and day use area, fall creek waterfall and hiking trail, steamboat creek waterfalls and hiking trail and campground, toketee waterfalls and hiking trails, watson waterfalls and hiking trails, lemolo waterfalls, lemolo lake, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming. south umpqua river: south umpqua waterfalls: swimming, picnicking, cathedral waterfalls and hiking trail, campbell waterfalls and hiking trail in boulder creek wilderness. row river watershed in the umpqua river watershed of oregon: brice creek: campgrounds, day use areas, swimming, sunbathing, wildwater waterfalls lane country park: picnicking and swimming, hiking trails and waterfalls, trestle creek upper and lower waterfalls and hiking trails, parker waterfalls and hiking trails, layng creek: campgrounds, spirit waterfalls and hiking trails, moon falls and hiking trails, pinard waterfalls and hiking trails.

At your first sight of the lake, I suppose the beautiful blue green waters make the greatest impression, followed by forests, a hand carved picnic table and shelter - not anywhere as nice as the one yet to come at Little Twin lake. As you're standing there, looking at the lake, you can turn around and see carpets of wildflowers blooming in the meadows that grace the lake.

After this, we turned to the right to take the trail around the lake. We followed this until we could see the turnoff to Little Twin lake, which we took and walked around the smaller lake. Both of us found Little Twin lake more beautiful than the big lake. You can get an idea when you look at the pictures in the Twin Lakes section of this site. As we completed the circuit of the lake we connected once again with the trail around the big lake. After completing that, we spent some time there on the lake before heading back down. Again, and I know I've said it elsewhere, this experience is beyond words. The next time we go, we're spending the night.

Protect our National Forests and Wilderness Areas. Leave NO Trace!

To make sure we do it all, Check the 7 Principles of "Leave NO Trace!".

Big Twin Lake

Big Twin Lake is a 14-acre lake with depth of 48'. Try fishing for Brook Trout. The Umpqua National Forest website says there are six campsites with rustic picnic tables and fire rings. I did not see six campsites, but that could have quite likely been because our focus was on the lake as we hiked around it. I saw one immediately as we first approached the lake, and then no more. However, if the campsites were separated from the lake by trees, and there are lots of trees and rhododendrons bushes around the lake, my view would have been blocked. I did see the shelter as mentioned previously. There is a pit toilet at the trailhead, and perhaps another one on the lake. I can't say for certain.

Little Twin Lake

Little Twin Lake is a 6-acre lake with a depth of 30 feet. It has one campsite and shelter, which can be seen on the Twin Lake pages in this site.

 twin Lakes hiking trails, backpacking trails, campgrounds, mountain lakes, off the rogue umpqua national scenic byway in the umpqua national forest in oregon, hiking, backpacking into the lakes gives stupendous views of the cascade mountains of oregon: mt thielsen, crater lake, gives old growth forests, abundant wildflowers of all types. beautiful, almost beyond words, lakes abutting a magnificent cliff face, campsites available with fire rings all this in the umpqua river watershed of the umpqua national forest, abundance in itself: little river watershed of the wild and scenic umpqua river watershed: shadow waterfalls and hiking trails, cavitt creek recreation area: waterfalls, day use and campgrounds under the auspices of roseburg, oregon blm, wolf creek waterfalls and hiking trail, yakso waterfalls and hiking trail, hemlock waterfalls and hiking trail, (hemlock waterfalls and yakso waterfalls are at the campground for the lake in the woods and hemlock campground), grotto waterfalls and hiking trail. north umpqua river hiking trails, camping, rafting, fishing and more: deadline falls and hiking trail, north umpqua river hiking trail in oregon, susan creek waterfall: hiking trail, campground and day use area, fall creek waterfall and hiking trail, steamboat creek waterfalls and hiking trail and campground, toketee waterfalls and hiking trails, watson waterfalls and hiking trails, lemolo waterfalls, lemolo lake, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming. south umpqua river: south umpqua waterfalls: swimming, picnicking, cathedral waterfalls and hiking trail, campbell waterfalls and hiking trail in boulder creek wilderness. row river watershed in the umpqua river watershed of oregon: brice creek: campgrounds, day use areas, swimming, sunbathing, wildwater waterfalls lane country park: picnicking and swimming, hiking trails and waterfalls, trestle creek upper and lower waterfalls and hiking trails, parker waterfalls and hiking trails, layng creek: campgrounds, spirit waterfalls and hiking trails, moon falls and hiking trails, pinard waterfalls and hiking trails.

Both lakes are connected by a 1 mile loop trail. Activities include: amping, picnicking, hiking, swimming, fishing for brook trout, boating (canoe or inflatable craft) and photography. Any surface water should be treated before drinking. No motorized traffic is allowed on either of the lakes. Shooting firearms in the proximity of the Twin Lakes is prohibited. The website for the Umpqua National Forest says the hike can be made year round, but the elevation is 5000' so keep that in mind.

As a word of warning: I wanted to drive out to Twin Lakes on another occasion. The only thing I knew about Twin Lakes was the sign from Oregon hwy 138. When I crossed the bridge, I pulled off the road. A man was there looking at the river, watching for signs of spawning Steelhead. He worked for the forest service. He told me that 4770 was not a very good road. He didn't think I should go up there by myself, and I decided not to. Later when Brad wanted to go, I was happy to accompany him. And I always will be happy that we went. It was a wonderful occasion - practically beyond words. Still, when we were coming down I remembered the words of the Forest Ranger that day. FR 4770 was so badly washboarded that I had to seriously concentrate on my driving. The descent is steep, and though I had the car in 1st gear, I was never able to take my foot off the brakes. At the last short distance when the road does level out to follow the Umpqua River, I could smell the asbestos of my brakes. My brakes were new, and seriously, I was glad. We had decided to drive down to Dry Creek after we came down, a mere 5 miles further west on Oregon Hwy 138, and I could smell the asbestos there as well. I could still smell it the next morning. So, while this hike is worth every difficulty, just make sure you have good brakes before going up there. :-)

twin Lakes hiking trails, backpacking trails, campgrounds, mountain lakes, off the rogue umpqua national scenic byway in the umpqua national forest in oregon, hiking, backpacking into the lakes gives stupendous views of the cascade mountains of oregon: mt thielsen, crater lake, gives old growth forests, abundant wildflowers of all types. beautiful, almost beyond words, lakes abutting a magnificent cliff face, campsites available with fire rings all this in the umpqua river watershed of the umpqua national forest, abundance in itself: little river watershed of the wild and scenic umpqua river watershed: shadow waterfalls and hiking trails, cavitt creek recreation area: waterfalls, day use and campgrounds under the auspices of roseburg, oregon blm, wolf creek waterfalls and hiking trail, yakso waterfalls and hiking trail, hemlock waterfalls and hiking trail, (hemlock waterfalls and yakso waterfalls are at the campground for the lake in the woods and hemlock campground), grotto waterfalls and hiking trail. north umpqua river hiking trails, camping, rafting, fishing and more: deadline falls and hiking trail, north umpqua river hiking trail in oregon, susan creek waterfall: hiking trail, campground and day use area, fall creek waterfall and hiking trail, steamboat creek waterfalls and hiking trail and campground, toketee waterfalls and hiking trails, watson waterfalls and hiking trails, lemolo waterfalls, lemolo lake, campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming. south umpqua river: south umpqua waterfalls: swimming, picnicking, cathedral waterfalls and hiking trail, campbell waterfalls and hiking trail in boulder creek wilderness. row river watershed in the umpqua river watershed of oregon: brice creek: campgrounds, day use areas, swimming, sunbathing, wildwater waterfalls lane country park: picnicking and swimming, hiking trails and waterfalls, trestle creek upper and lower waterfalls and hiking trails, parker waterfalls and hiking trails, layng creek: campgrounds, spirit waterfalls and hiking trails, moon falls and hiking trails, pinard waterfalls and hiking trails.

Oregon Hiking Trails

Twin Lakes
in the Umpqua National Forest

The hike begins page 1 and page 2.

Walking through fields of wildflowers:
page 3 and page 4.

Big Twin Lake shows her face page 5 and page 6.

Spend the night in handcrafted shelter: page 7.

Small Twin Lake - save the best for last:
page 8, page 9 and page 10.

Poison Oak can be a problem at these elevations. Although I have never seen poison oak on any of the major hiking trails posted in this site, and I certainly never saw any up at Twin Lakes. If you want to see a picture of poison oak when it's green, and much more difficult to recognize, I have one here.

 
Camping in the Umpqua National Forest & those
areas managed by the Roseburg BLM

Directions to campgrounds in the Diamond Lake District of the Umpqua National Forest. Directions to campgrounds in the North Umpqua River district. The campgrounds for both districts are off the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway, many are on the wild and scenic Umpqua River. All fall between the north entrance to Crater Lake National Park and I-5 at Roseburg, Oregon. Boulder Flat is the last one in the North Umpqua district. After that you're in the Diamond Lake District. Directions to campgrounds in the Little River watershed of the North Umpqua River. Directions to camping facilities in the Row River watershed of the Umpqua River. Directions to campgrounds on the south Umpqua River also in the Umpqua River watershed.

 
Hiking Trails in the Umpqua River watershed in the Umpqua National Forest

Directions for hiking trails to waterfalls and other points of interest in the Row River Watershed of the wild and scenic Umpqua River in the Umpqua National Forest. As well as Directions for the Umpqua River Trail - 12 hiking trails riverside. Directions for hiking trails to the many waterfalls on the wild and scenic Umpqua River off the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway. Directions for hiking trails in the south Umpqua watershed. Directions for hiking trails in the Little River watershed. All within the magnificent Umpqua National Forest.

Enjoy the North Umpqua Waterfalls Tour on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway

Can include Crater Lake National Park: Introduction.

Travel Directions, Map and Scenery ~ can include Crater Lake National Park: Introduction. Experience: splendid scenery, hiking trails for intrepid hikers and those with less enthusiam. Enjoy the magnificent the wild and scenic Umpqua River, Umpqua hot springs near Toketee Campground, rafting on the rapids, hiking the beautiful trail along the Umpqua gorge to magnificent Toketee Waterfalls, my favorite, and the favorite of anyone I've ever spoken to. Hike through a forest garden of dense wild rhododendrons at Warm Spring Waterfalls. Hike the trails to experience the wonder of tumultuous Watson Falls. Don't forget Lemolo Waterfalls and Lemolo Lake. And when you arrive at the north entrance partake the splendor of Crater Lake - Enjoy beauty.

Enjoy the Diverse Loop Tour on the Rogue Umpqua National
Scenic Byway and the Crater Lake Hwy

Includes Crater Lake National Park: Introduction.

Travel Directions, Map and Scenery. Experience: splendid scenery, hiking trails for intrepid hikers and those with less enthusiam, experience the majestic Rogue River Gorge at Union Creek and the Natural Bridge, waterfalls, the Rogue River Hiking Trail, hiking trails to Muir Creek Waterfalls and National Creek Waterfalls all in the Rogue - Siskiyou National Forest. Enjoy hiking trails to Mill Creek Waterfalls, Barr Creek Waterfalls and Pearsoney Waterfalls in Prospect, Oregon. Or just stand on the historic Prospect bridge and enjoy the panorama of the Avenue of Giant Boulders. Hike down to the water's edge if you've a mind to.

Combine the Umpqua Waterfalls and the Diverse Loop Tours

Traveling Oregon on the Rogue Umpqua Scenic Byway and the Crater Lake Hwy: Directions.

Travel Oregon and northern California while staying at Gathering Light ... a retreat
located in southern Oregon near Crater Lake National Park.

wood river wetlands, one of the many klamath basin birding trails, not far from gathering light ... a retreat located in southern oregon near crater lake national park: cabins, tree houses river side. travel to gathering light ... a retreat on the wild and scenic umpqua river in the cascade mountains of oregon. the wild and scenic umpqua river in the umpqua national forest in the cascade mountains of oregon. hiking trails, fishing, salmon, steelhead, waterfalls, swimming, camping, picnicking on the river and at toketee and lemolo lakes, hiking the umpqua river trail from swiftwater falls to maidu lake at the source. drive a beautiful route to crater lake national park along the umpqua river in oregon.

Travel to the retreat on the Umpqua Scenic Byway: Travel Directions, Map and Scenery: hiking trails, waterfalls, wild and scenic rivers, mountains, sightseeing and more.

Directions to and Day Trips in either Oregon or California of about 100 miles from the retreat.

Little known Scenic Places to explore nature untrammeled near Crater Lake and the retreat: hiking with and without trails, mountains, wilderness areas, mountain lakes, wildlife refuges, wetlands and more: Directions, Map and Scenery.

Website Directory for the travel pages      Home Page

Page Listings to the travel pages

Contact Brad at Gathering Light ... a retreat.

Peleagic Cormorant at Wood River Wetlands (pictured above), one of the many Klamath Basin birding trails not far from Gathering Light ... a retreat. Rustic simplicity, a place to "Just Be", Gathering Light is nestled on the banks of the river, surrounded by the Fremont Winema National Forest of southern Oregon and not far from Crater Lake National Park.