Originally published June 14, 2012 at 5:38 PM | Page modified June 18, 2012 at 4:03 PM
Hike of the week | Take beautiful, remote hike to Twin Lakes
The trail to Twin Lakes near Lake Wenatchee offer hikers wildflowers in full bloom, old growth cedars, untarnished rivers and lakes, and awesome views.
Seattle Times staff reporter
The trail to Twin Lakes near Lake Wenatchee offer hikers the "full meal deal" with wildflowers in full bloom, old growth cedars, untarnished rivers and lakes, and awesome views of nearby peaks and valleys.
The relatively remote hike is a perfect choice for strong hikers, and covers about eight miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet to the highest point at 2,850 feet.
The hike starts at the primitive riverside Napeequa Crossing Campground north of Lake Wenatchee, and the steep uphill climb begins from the get go.
Not far into the hike at about the quarter-mile mark is a side trail that leads to a short jaunt up a rocky hump offering good views of the Napeequa River and Mount David.
The main trail eventually levels off, and use caution as you head over the creek across downed tree logs. Just past the creek the trail it once again gets steep (this is the hardest section) and you'll come within sight of the roaring creek.
The trail becomes more gentle during the last one-mile leg before arriving at the first of two lakes, and finally ambles through a thick forest to the larger-sized lake. A nearby cabin was built in 1949 by state Fish and Wildlife, and you can stroll down a small boardwalk to view the lake. Fishing isn't allowed although camping is an option. It is snow free.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required for vehicles parked at the trailhead. Cost is $5 daily and $30 annually. For details, call the Wenatchee River Ranger District in Leavenworth at 509-548-2250 or www.fs.usda.gov/okawen or www.wta.org/hiking-info/passes/passes-and-permit-info.
For current trip reports on this trail, go to www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/twin-lakes-1/.
Directions: Drive east on U.S. 2 for 85 miles to Coles Corner. Turn left onto S.R. 207 (Lake Wenatchee) and head 4.2 miles to an intersection after crossing the Wenatchee River. Follow Lake Wenatchee Highway (State Route 207) until you reach the White River Road. Follow White River Road (S.R. 22) to the trailhead at the campground.
Other upcoming outdoor events:
• A section of the Comet Falls Trail in Mount Rainier National Park has been temporarily closed about one mile beyond the trailhead due to extremely hazardous conditions from a washout after recent heavy rain. Park trail crews plan to access the area next week to create a safe route around the washout. Hikers in high elevation areas should also be cautious of unstable snow and ice, and swift flowing rivers and creeks.
For trail conditions in Mount Rainier, visit www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/trails-and-backcountry-camp-conditions.htm.
• The International Federation of Fly Fishers is hosting an International Fly Fishing Fair July 12-14 at the Spokane Convention Center. See more than 90 workshops and clinics on casting, fly tying, and on-water fishing techniques taught by well-known instructors. Expert fly-fishing authors will also be signing books, and giving presentations and workshops. In addition, more than 110 fly tiers will be demonstrating their artistic work.
The fair will feature exhibits with the latest in gear, outfitters, conservation information and other topics. There will be a casting pond to try the latest rod and reel as well kids' activities. For details, visit www.fedflyfisher.org.
• Come celebrate with dad by taking him to a Father's Day Lunch at Crystal Mountain's Summit House 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday. Take in the sights with the family on the 10-minute gondola ride up to the summit at 6,872 feet, and soak up the views of Mount Rainier. Cost is $29, and $10 for kids age 4-10. For reservations and details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.
Another alternative is the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad Father's Day BBQ Train Ride, which departs from the Elbe Depot for a 45-minute trip out to Mineral Lake. Enjoy BBQ ribs and chicken, beans, coleslaw, and a dessert and beverage. Departs at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $46, seniors and military is $42, and kids age 4-10 are $36. For details, visit www.mrsr.com.
• The Northwest Mountain School in Leavenworth offers a variety of climbing programs and extended mountain climbs throughout the summer. For details, visit www.mountainschool.com or 509-548-5823.
• The Mount Adams Ranger District family fishing event for kids aged 13 and under is 9 a.m. to noon on June 16 at the Guler-Mt. Adams County Park in Trout Lake. Bring a white T-shirt for the fish printing or gyotaku activity. All fishing gear and bait are provided, plus fun and games, and a fish fry, hot dogs and soda. For details, call 509-395-3400.
• Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters is offering a beginning fly casting class 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on June 26. Cost is $50. Instructors are Darrel Martin, certified by the Federation of Fly-Fishers and the Advanced Professional Game Angling Instructors and Michael Martin. For details, call 253-835-4100.
• The documentary film "Where The Yellowstone Goes" premiere screening is 7 p.m. June 21 at the Harvard Exit Theatre in Seattle. The film follows a 30-day drift boat fly-fishing trip last August and September on the Yellowstone River from Gardiner, Mont., to the confluence of the Missouri River at Fort Buford, N.D., which covers almost 600 miles. This section of the river is known as one of the best "Blue Ribbon" trout fly-fishing rivers in the world. Cost is $12. For details, visit www.landmarktheatres.com or www.wheretheyellowstonegoes.com.
• The Washington Parks and Recreation summer natural and cultural history interpretive programs at Larrabee State Park, 245 Chuckanut Drive in Bellingham. Dr. Marilyn Boysen will lead the programs June 30, July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 1. A Discover Pass is required. For details, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events.
• The CamOcean World Oceans Day Festival is June 16 at Cama Beach State Park on Camano Island. For a list of events during Great Outdoors Month, visit www.parks.wa.gov/events.
• As the weather warms up and many are headed out for boating on the water it is a reminder that all children 12-and-under are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket on vessels less than 19-feet long. There must also be a life jacket on board for each person older than age 12.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is offering low cost life jackets June 16, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Evans Pool, 7201 E. Green Lake Dr. North in Seattle. Cost for infant to youth large is $20, and for teens to adults is $30. For details, call 206-684-7440 or email at diane.jones@seattle.gov.
• The Orvis Store in Bellevue at 10223 N.E. 10th Street is offering free fly-fishing lessons through July. Each class consists of one hour of casting instruction followed by one hour of rigging. Attendees will receive $25 coupon off any purchase of $50 or more toward Orvis gear. Each participant will also get a free Trout Unlimited and Federation of Fly Fishers membership. For details, visit www.orvis.com/ff101.
Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com










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