Twin Lakes Trail #573

This heavily used trail is one of the most popular in the Bull of the Woods Wilderness and is an important connector with other major trails within the Wilderness. The trail passes through old growth alpine forest. This trail connects Bagby Hot Springs Trail #544 and Mother Lode Trail #558.

Beginning from Bagby Trail #544 (4,560’), the trail follows the south side of the ridge heading east. After 1.5 miles the trail reaches the west shore of Upper Twin Lake (3,920’). There are several well established campsites on the northwest shore of the lake. The trail leaves Upper Twin Lake and after 0.5 mile the trail reaches the junction with a side trail leading to Lower Twin Lake (0.3 mile). There are a few campsites around the smaller Lower Twin Lake. From the junction, the trail climbs gently for 1.7 miles to the end of the ridge (4,400’). The trail turns north and heads downhill 0.8 mile to the trail’s end at the junction with Mother Lode Trail #558. To make a 12.3 mile loop, turn right (east) onto #558 and follow it for 2.2 miles to the junction with Elk Lake Creek Trail #559. Turn right (south) onto #559 and follow it for 3.9 miles back to Elk Lake. Follow Forest Road 4697 west to the southerly Bagby Trail #544 trailhead.

Trail Description and Map (PDF File)

At a Glance