Arnica Lake and Twin Lakes via Vista Lake

Why go

If you like earning your views, this route strings together a surprising number of emerald lakes with far fewer people than the touristy hotspots. You’ll drop to Vista Lake, climb to pretty Arnica Lake, then continue to the tranquil Twin Lakes basin. It’s repeatedly described as underrated—especially when the larches glow in late September.

The hike

From the Vista Lake trailhead on Highway 93S, the trail immediately loses roughly 130 m as it descends about 1.4 km to Vista Lake—easy now, but you’ll pay it back at the end. From the lakeshore, switchbacks and steady grades climb the north slopes of Storm Mountain to Arnica Lake, where forest breaks into subalpine meadows and classic cirque scenery. Continuing past Arnica, the grade eases and rolls through quiet forest to reach the Twin Lakes basin (Lower and Upper). Expect a well‑worn dirt tread with rooty/rocky stretches and occasional mud.

Plan roughly 10–10.5 miles total (16–17 km) for the full Twin Lakes out‑and‑back, with about 2,460 ft/750 m of cumulative gain, and 6–8 hours for most hikers. If you turn around at Arnica, it’s about 6 miles round‑trip (10 km) and a solid half‑day.

What you’ll see

• Vista Lake’s green bowl right out of the gate.
• Arnica Lake’s cirque setting, wildflowers in summer, and golden larches in fall.
• The quieter Twin Lakes, with clear water and mountain reflections. Intermittent views toward Storm Mountain and across the valley appear between forested stretches.

Keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, and bears. It’s genuine mountain habitat—carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Best time to hike

July through September offers the most reliable conditions. Late September is prime for larch color around Arnica. Early season (June) can be muddy or hold lingering snow higher up. Winter travel is not recommended without proper snow and avalanche expertise.

Tips

• Start early. Parking is limited at the Vista Lake pullout and can spill onto the highway shoulder, especially during larch season.
• Budget energy for the finish: the return ends with that 130 m climb from Vista Lake back to the car.
• Stay on the established path toward Upper Twin Lake; leaving it leads to needless bushwhacking.
• Bring layers—fog and cloud can obscure views early and clear later.
• Filter if you plan to refill; lakes are the only reliable water.