Twin Lakes Backpacking Trip July 28-29, Mt Hood Forest

[Bryan Miller]

Twin Lakes Backpacking Trip July 28-29, Mt Hood Forest - hosted by Bryan & Jean Miller

Join us for this easier ~5 mile hike to camp at the Upper Twin Lake. Open to all levels of interest, loaner equipment available. I want to encourage you to join us on this adventure. Jean and I did this same trip a couple weeks back, shaded rustic campsites around the lake, tree lined trails and views of Mt Hood.  Please reply to Bryan & Jean Miller (backp...@sunsetpres.org) to confirm your spot.  ~Bryan

 

Synopsis:  This is a two day out and back trip into the Mt. Hood National Forest adjoining the Pacific Crest Trail. Large Douglas firs and western red cedars line the trail and surrounding lakes. This is a moderate to easy 5 miles round trip hike that gains just 500 feet. In the afternoon we have an optional 4 mile hike up to Palmateer view point. This trip is suitable for beginners and those starting their training for longer backpacking trips, and of course an opportunity to spend time with new friends and nature. We’ll meet up at the Sunset church parking lot on Saturday morning 8am and carpool/caravan to the Frog Lake trailhead at nearby Mt. Hood, returning late afternoon on Sunday.

 

Twin Lakes and Palmateer Point via Frog Lake Trailhead

http://www.nwhiker.com/MHNFHike42.html

Length: 5 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 500' gain
Season: Late Spring thru Fall
Difficulty: Moderate to Easy
Permit: NW Forest Pass Required for cars parked at Frog Lake trail head (carpools)
Features: This trip begins at the Frog Lake trail head just off Highway 26. The first mile and a half follow the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. You hike gently uphill and through a variety of forested areas with Rhododendron in season. At approximately 1.5 miles, turn right on Trail #495 and follow the well maintained trail downhill to the first of the Twin Lakes. There are several areas around the lake that make great viewing and picnicking.

Now, onto the second of the Twin Lakes. Make your way back to Trail #495 and follow the trail uphill to the upper Twin Lake. Again, most of the hike is in a forested area. When you reach the upper lake, you should see the top of Mt Hood peaking over the trees at the north end of the lake. We’ll be camping here at the upper Twin Lake.

If you would like to explore further, there is a good trail that leads from this upper lake to Palmateer Point. You will find Trail #482 as your begin to walk around the east side of Upper Twin Lake. Follow this trail for about a half mile and you will notice a viewpoint just a few feet off the trail to the right. Continue along the trail downhill to a small creek you will need to cross. Not far past the creek, is the junction to Palmateer Point. Bear right and climb steeply for a short distance to the point where you will be rewarded with great views of Mt Hood and the surrounding valleys.

2012 Season schedule

Apr 28             Angels Rest hike

May 19           Dry Creek Falls hike

Jun 9                Saddle Mountain hike

Jun 23             Ramona Falls hike

Jul 14-15         Opal Creek Backpack Trip

Jul 21               June Lake / Mt St Helens hike

Jul 28-29        Twin Lakes Backpack Trip

Aug 11            Opal Creek hike

Aug 24-26      Three Sisters Backpack Trip

Sep 1-2           Maupin Deschutes River Camp

Sep 8-9           Mt. Rainier Backpack Trip

Sep 15             Burnt Lake / E. Zig Zag Mtn hike

 

Contact Information

Hiking:                  Howard Hansen  hik...@sunsetpres.org

Backpacking:      Tom Mehringer  backp...@sunsetpres.org

River Camp:        Bryan Miller greatad...@sunsetpres.org