The Twin Lakes Washington Hike is a challenging 14.7-mile out-and-back trail located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest near Maple Falls, Washington. This scenic hike offers stunning mountain views, stream crossings, and two beautiful alpine lakes at the top. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a new adventure, the Twin Lakes Washington Hike is sure to impress.
Location and Trailhead
The Twin Lakes Washington Hike is situated in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a vast wilderness area in the North Cascades of Washington state. The trailhead is located 12 miles east of Glacier, Washington, on the Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542). From there, you’ll need to turn left onto Twin Lakes Road (Forest Service road 3065) and drive 4.5 miles to the Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead.
The road beyond this point is narrow, with few pullouts, and is not maintained for passenger vehicles. During the summer, there may be mining truck traffic on the road. High-clearance vehicles can negotiate the remaining two miles to the Twin Lakes, but four-wheel drive is not necessary, though it can be helpful. It’s always a good idea to check with the ranger station for the latest road conditions before heading out.
Trail Description
The Twin Lakes Washington Hike is a challenging 14.7-mile out-and-back trail that takes an average of 7 hours and 40 minutes to complete. The trail begins at the Tomyhoi Lake/Yellow Aster Butte Trailhead and follows an extremely rough forest road that is, in theory, driveable for high-clearance vehicles.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll be treated to stunning mountain views, stream crossings, and the highlight of the hike – the two beautiful alpine lakes at the top. The trail also provides access to several other trails, including the High Pass Trail 676, Silesia Creek Trail 672, and Winchester Mountain Trail 685, which lead into the Mt. Baker Wilderness.
One of the more notable features of the trail is the “rickety bridge” that you’ll need to cross. This adds a fun challenge to the hike and is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
Difficulty and Regulations
The Twin Lakes Washington Hike is considered a challenging route, with an average completion time of 7 hours and 40 minutes. The trail features wilderness regulations, and visitors are required to pack out all human waste. There is no potable water or toilet at the trailhead, so hikers must be prepared.
Visitors to the Twin Lakes Washington Hike are also required to have a recreation pass, which can be used as a form of fee payment. The fee is $5 per vehicle per day.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Twin Lakes Washington Hike is from August through October. During this time, the weather is generally mild, and the crowds are smaller than the peak summer months. However, it’s important to note that the road to the trailhead may be closed due to snow during the winter months, so it’s always a good idea to check with the ranger station before planning your trip.
Recommendations
- High-clearance vehicles are recommended for driving the rough forest road to the lakes.
- Check road conditions with the ranger station before heading out.
- Pack out all human waste and follow wilderness regulations.
- Bring a recreation pass for fee payment.
- The best time to visit is from August through October.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a new adventure, the Twin Lakes Washington Hike is sure to impress. With its stunning mountain views, challenging terrain, and beautiful alpine lakes, this hike is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast.