The road is good for the first 4 miles, basically up to the Yellow Aster Butte trailhead. From there, the road changes dramatically. There are washouts, deep ruts, rocks, sharp curves, more ruts, I wouldn't even categorize them as potholes because they are so big. Just go slow and accept that the last 3 miles will be very slow going. There was a fresh oil slick on our way down, somebody hit a rock and damaged their oil pan, hopefully they made it down safely.
Twin Lakes sparkled in the sun, there was a snow crossing between the lakes to get to the trailhead but it should be gone soon with all the warm weather we have been having.
We were there to hike up to Winchester Mountain Lookout, the trail began immediately with many beautiful wildflowers. Lupine, some kind of wild anemone (my guess) and countless other colorful yellow, white, purple and red flowers. The bees were abuzz.
The trail is in great shape and just climbs, climbs, climbs the whole way. The exposed portions offer sweeping views over Twin Lakes and the surrounding peaks. Looking up at Winchester Mountain from below is dizzying and ponderous - hard to imagine it's just 2 miles up to the lookout. At one switchback there is a pile of rocks blocking the trail, indicating to go left rather than follow the trail straight. This will take you up a bit of a scramble but continues on the well maintained trail.
The lookout is open, there was a hiker there who claimed it for the night. The views from the top are astounding, with 360 views of the North Cascades and Mt. Baker dominates the skyline.
We logged 3.55 miles round-trip with 1,270ft elevation
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