Twin Lakes Trail #1503

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

This trail enters Glacier Peak Wilderness and requires trailhead registration.

There is a small parking spot for only a few cars on the paved, northeast side of White River Road, across from the Napeeque Crossing Campsite. There is a small information board but no fee box, so make sure you have a Discovery Pass or day pass with you. You'll enter the wilderness area, so be sure to fill out the registration form.

The trail begins from the parking area by climbing up a set of smooth, gentle switchbacks into the dense forest. You'll gain about 300 feet and should look for the Viewpoint Spur. A large rock outcropping on the left side of the trail before the Viewpoint Spur can help you see it on the way in. However, it's very hard to see on the way in, as the trail leads back towards you and is unsigned. There is a wooden sign on a large tree on the way out, so if you miss it no worries, you'll find it later. It's about 100 feet up some rocks to a lovely view of the valley and Mount David.

After the spur, the trail will descend a bit, and offers a few nice views to the surrounding mountains en route to a small pond/over-grown swamp where the Twin Lakes Creek meets the Napeeque River. You'll follow the southern edge of the pond, cross the Twin Lakes Creek, and then begin the trail's climb. This section is steeper and rockier, but not bad. Some switchbacks help, and occasional views of Twin Lakes Creek keep it somewhat interesting.

Finally, the trail will level out at the first of the Twin Lakes with great valley views across it, including Dirtyface Peak. The trail continues along the northeastern edge of the lake. It is flat going along this section. It officially terminates at a log dam at the end of the second of Twin Lakes, but you can continue on informal trails or hang out on the logs before returning the way you came.