Pros & cons
PROS
- Peaceful backcountry lake with inviting swim spots
- Good informal camping nooks along the north shore
CONS
- No facilities at the lake
- Mosquitoes can be fierce in season
Overview
Lower Twin Lake is the kind of quiet, blue-green backcountry water that makes you linger. It pairs naturally with nearby Upper Twin, and the shoreline invites a lunch break, a refreshing dip, or a low-key overnight. Expect calm mornings, mirror-like reflections, and the occasional amphibian skittering in the shallows.
Getting There
You’ve got two classic approaches:
- From the Summit Lake area: an about 8.6-mile loop that climbs early, then mellows near the lakes. It’s well signed and popular for overnights.
- From Butte Lake: a longer loop (about 14.6 miles) that threads past volcanic features. Sections of loose cinders hike like deep sand, and parts of the route cross burn scar with limited shade. Clockwise is often preferred to keep the steeper climbing on firmer trail.
Some segments in the area briefly share the tread with the Pacific Crest Trail.
What to Expect on the Trail
- Terrain ranges from forested singletrack to open, sun-exposed stretches in 2021 burn areas.
- Cindery footing near the Butte Lake side can be slow; trekking poles help.
- Mosquitoes are notorious around the Twins in early season—come prepared.
- Cell coverage is very limited.
Camping and Permits
Lower Twin is a popular backpacking destination with dispersed sites (no designated pads). A wilderness permit is required for any overnight backcountry stay. Bear-resistant canisters are mandatory from roughly mid-April through late November, and hanging food isn’t allowed. Pack out all trash and keep camps on durable surfaces—some of the better nooks are along the north shore.
Wildlife
Look for amphibians along the margins, plus deer and a variety of birds moving through the forested pockets and snag zones. Give wildlife space and keep food secured.
Nearby Facilities
There are no built amenities at the lake—no restrooms, water, or trash cans. Use trailhead facilities such as those at Summit Lake or Butte Lake before you set out.
Best Time to Visit
- For fewer bugs and easier lounging, late season tends to be kinder than early season.
- If you’re hiking from Butte Lake, start early to beat heat on sun-exposed, cindery stretches.
- Weekdays are quieter. For photos, go early or late for glassy reflections and soft light; midafternoon is best for a warm swim.
Where it is
40.5065, -121.3639Tips for Lower Twin Lake
- 01Bring serious mosquito protection; a head net can save your trip.
- 02Carry and use a bear canister; hanging food is not allowed.
- 03Start early on the Butte Lake route—sun-exposed burn areas get hot.
- 04Look for durable, existing camps on the north shore to minimize impact.
- 05Trekking poles help on steep or loose cinder sections.
Near Lower Twin Lake
All places →All trails →
2.9 mi awaySnag LakeQuiet backcountry lake framed by lava beds and ghostly snags
3.3 mi awaySummit LakeShady mountain lake for kid-friendly swims and easy paddlesTrailhead · Restroom
3.3 mi awaySummit Lake North CampgroundLakefront base camp with flush toilets near the park’s best hikesCampground · Restroom
3.3 mi awaySummit Lake LoopQuick, kid-friendly lap around a swimmable alpine lakeEasy · 0.7 mi · 13 min
3.4 mi awayRainbow Lake TrailString-of-lakes walk to a quiet basin with Lassen Peak viewsModerate · 10.2 mi · 4.3 hr
3.4 mi awayCluster Lakes TrailLake-hopping loop with swims, solitude, and postfire viewsModerate · 10.8 mi · 6.5 hr
3.4 mi awaySummit Lake to Cluster/Twin Lakes LoopLake-hopping loop with great swim stops and long, sunny burn stretches.Challenging · 10.8 mi · 6.5 hr
3.4 mi awaySummit Lake Ranger StationSmall ranger outpost steps from Summit Lake and trailheadsRanger Station · Restroom
