Twin Lakes Trailhead
The Twin Lakes Trailhead is a small facility located on the southern end of the Elkhorn Mountains. This is the lower access route into Twin Lakes. This facility has no amenities and is used by hunters, day hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
The trail to Twin Lakes follows Lake Creek up the drainage climbing fairly steep through an open forest with scattered old growth spruce and Douglas-fir trees in the first portion. It crosses the creek once, about 1/2 mile from the trailhead. At approximately 2 miles up the trail, the junction with the old trail to Marble Pass to the south is still visible. From that point the trail traverses an open hillside meadow resplendent with wildflowers in the summer. Mountain goats are often seen in their haunts on the ridge west of the Twin Lakes basin. A large flat meadow just above the eastern shore of the lakes provides an ample camping area and grazing for horse; other camping areas exist between the two lakes.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Current Conditions |
---|---|
Reservations: | This site is not reservable. |
Area Amenities: | Parking |
Fees: | No fee required. |
Open Season: | July |
Restrictions: | General rules of use and restrictions apply for this developed recreation site. Mountain bike and motorcycles permitted on Twin Lakes Trail #1633 and Elkhorn Crest Trail #1611 on non-wilderness sections only. Motorized vehicles, bicycles, carts, hang glider and other mechanical equipment is prohibited in the Wilderness area. |
Closest Towns: | Baker City, Oregon (29 miles) |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | No |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Whitman Ranger District |
General Information
Directions:From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 (also known as the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) towards John Day, Oregon for about 22 miles to Deer Creek Road; Turn right onto Deer Creek Road. The road immediately forks into two roads. Take the left fork (County Road 656). This will turn into FS Rd. 6550. Go about 3.5 miles and cross Deer Creek. This is a 4-way junction. Go straight ahead onto Rd. 030 and follow it for about 2.5 miles. There is a wide spot to park low clearance vehicles at the junction of Rd. 101, or continue left up Rd. 101 for another .3 miles to Twin Lakes Trailhead. Older maps indicate that the trailhead is on Lake Creek but the location has been moved to Rd. 101.
Visitors can park at the lower area near the entrance sign or up the steep road about 0.5 miles to the upper parking area.
Activities
Mountain Biking
Access on Twin Lake trail #1633
Day Hiking
Access for Twin Lakes Trail #1633
Backpacking
Access for Twin Lakes Trail #1633
Horse Riding
Access for Twin Lakes Trail #1633
OHV Trail Riding
General Info:
DirectionsFrom Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 (also known as the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) towards John Day, Oregon for about 22 miles to the Deer Creek Road; Turn right on the Deer Creek Road (County Road 656) this will turn into Forest Road 6550 and go about 3.5 miles to Forest Road 6530; Turn right on Forest Road 6530 and go 0.6 miles to Forest Road 030; Turn left on Forest Road 030 and go 2.5 miles to the trailhead entrance sign.
Visitors can park at the lower area near the entrance sign or the upper area about 0.5 miles up the steep road.
Directions
From Baker City, Oregon travel south on Highway 7 (also known as the Elkhorn Scenic Byway) towards John Day, Oregon for about 21 miles; The entrance to the picnic area is signed on the left side of the highway.
Amenities
Parking: | 3-4 vehicles |
---|