Hike coordinator: Diane Rannow
Narration by Diane Rannow
Unexpected work on the parking lot closed our regular meeting place and caused a bit of a confusion as we relocated to the library parking lot. Eleven people headed for Twin Lakes. Even though it is only about 60 miles from Roseburg, the last 10 miles are on a narrow, twisty gravel road that makes for slow going.
In spite of a 2017 wildfire that burned a lot of the trail going up to the rocky overlook as well as areas near the lakes, parts of the forests are still green. Near the trailhead, the path starts out through a Douglas fir forest that was not burned. After 1/3 mile, the view opens up across the valley. In spite of the sun shining, haze prevented us seeing any of the distant mountains.
The next 1/3 mile is all about the wildflower meadows overflowing with colorful flowers, bees & butterflies. Some flowers are so tall and profuse they almost hide the trail.
At the junction, the trail heads uphill through more wildflower meadows and into the most badly burned area. It’s just over a mile to the Twin Lakes Mountain rocky overlook with a view across the valley and down to both Twin Lakes. Then it’s back down the trail to the lakes themselves.
The trail mostly follows the shoreline of the lakes with beautiful views of quiet turquoise water and beautiful reflections. Heading around the smaller lake, a short spur trail takes us to a giant picnic table in the middle of downed trees (mostly cut for safety reasons after the fire). It’s lunch time. Those who didn’t want to sit in the sun found plenty of places to sit in the shade on the logs.
After lunch we continued around the lakes. On the far side of the larger lake, we have a view across the lake to the 300-foot cliff and rocky overlook. Time to head back to the main trail and the cars. A beautiful day with a hike of just over 5.5 miles with 850 feet elevation gain.
Pictures below by Diane Rannow
