Twin Lakes-Palmateer Point Loop Hike

Overview

This very moderate loop takes in a variety of features: some impressive old growth montane forest at the beginning of the hike, two beautiful mountain lakes, a wildflower meadow, and a viewpoint that affords a full-on view of Mount Hood's south side. While Lower Twin Lake and Upper Twin Lake are busy destinations in the summer, you'll find a little more solitude along the Palmateer View Trail #482 before you make the loop return along Ghost Ridge (a.k.a. Tri County Ridge) on the Pacific Crest Trail. Those wishing a longer hike may want to begin with the Frog Lake Buttes Loop Hike. Access to the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 is to the left of the restrooms at the vast Frog Lake Sno-Park. Walk a few yards past a picnic table to a T-junction and go right under mountain hemlocks and silver firs shading a bear-grass carpet. The trail passes the Pacific Crest-Frog Lake Trail Junction, which leads right to Frog Lake. Keep straight in old growth hemlock and Douglas-fir forest with a few western white pines. The Pacific Crest Trail rises gradually and switchbacks at a large western hemlock. Then, continue to traverse upwards to a ridge with a huckleberry/rhododendron/bear-grass understory below tall mountain hemlocks, silver firs and noble firs. Here, reach the Pacific Crest-Twin Lakes Trail South Junction. Take the Twin Lakes Trail #495 down to the right, passing a large noble fir. Blue diamonds indicate this is a cross-country ski trail. Descend the east side of a ridge and notice the waters of Lower Twin Lake sparkling below. From the Twin Lakes-Lower Twin Lake Trail Junction, descend to the lakeshore at an area of campsites. It's about a mile around the lake if you wish to circle it; otherwise, enjoy the vista but note that there will almost always be a lot of campers here on fine weather summer weekends. Return to the Twin Lakes-Lower Twin Lake Trail Junction and go right. The trail traverses up and switchbacks, makes another rising traverse and switchbacks twice more in mountain hemlock, noble fir, silver fir, an

Trail Stats

Photos

PalmateerPointLoopMap

PalmateerPointLoopMap

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