Only about 60 miles from Roseburg, Twin Lakes is a perfect destination for a hike.  It was cool and overcast when 16 hikers headed up hwy. 138.   

By the time we got to the trailhead, the sun was burning through the fog.  The trail to the lakes ambles through old-growth woods and open meadows.  An understory of vine maple was turning golden.  After only 1/3 mile we pass a viewpoint with a distant view of 3 cascade peaks... Diamond Peak, Mt. Thielsen and Mt. Bailey. 

Looking over the edge of the low cliff, we could see patches of red and gold among the evergreens.  In less than a mile we reached the beautiful turquoise lakes.  In the sunshine, the lakes were like mirrors with colorful reflections everywhere we looked.  It's only about 1.5 miles around the lakes and then we head up Twin Lakes Mountain for just over a mile to a fabulous viewpoint atop a 300-foot cliff. 

The rocky viewpoint makes a wonderful lunch spot looking down on the lakes and across the Boulder Creek Wilderness with mountain peaks in the distance.  After lunch we head back to the cars.  We've done about 5.5 miles and had an absolutely wonderful day.