I'm a bit delayed writing this trip report but mostly wanted to focus on the Twin Lakes road, beyond the Yellow Aster Butte trailhead. I drive a Forester Wilderness but was hesitant to drive up to Twin Lakes, having never been here before myself.
After hiking up and down the road, I feel as though I could have made it via car, with little issue. The worst section is probably the second mile. The condition of the road is not the problem per se, if you have AWD AND high clearance. The potential issue is the width of the road and the steep switchbacks. There are sections of this road that are very narrow and fit only one car. If there are cars coming the opposite direction of travel in these areas, one of you will have to sketchily back up and it could be a bit until one of you can get around. This would be my main concern, personally. If you're able to time the drive up and down when less cars are likely to be passing, it should be no issue at all. (A random Sunday at 2pmish, seemed to have less cars going up)
Make no mistake - sections of the road itself are terrible and it's very dusty for those who opt to hike it. The bugs were also horrible. They weren't biting but we were swarmed the entire time -- never encountered anything like it. The elevation gain from YAB trailhead to the Twin Lakes trailhead is around 1,700-1,800' depending where you start. It is NOT 800' like I've read elsewhere. It's steep, slightly over 2 miles and with a backpack, it's not the most pleasant experience. It was hot and muggy and most of the hike up / down the road is exposed and with passing cars, you'll have fumes/dust blowing in your face. Nice views though!
Once at Twin Lakes, we set up camp between the two lakes but probably could have found a better spot. I regret not pushing forward to Winchester Mountain as it sounds like there are tent spaces outside the lookout. I got eaten alive at camp by a different swarm of bugs- had to put my hiking pants back on, a rain jacket, and a head net. I filtered water at the second lake in a section where people were not entering the lake itself, with no problem. Water looked pretty clear. Many groups had fires despite multiple signs that a fire ban was in effect. A lot of cars parked up there but at night it was surprisingly quiet. Trash at trailhead was packed full but nice for those backpacking. Two privies at Twin Lakes- the first one seemed to be worse than the second, near my camp.
From Twin Lakes -the hike up to Winchester is mostly exposed though there are a few shaded sections. The bug situation improved as you ascended. The "sketchy" section towards the top looked worse than it actually is. On a dry sunny day, you should have no issue, but it is a steep drop, if you were to slip! (Pic included) Beautiful flowers along the trail. Views into Canada, Tomyhoi lake, American border peak, Mt Baker, and Mt Shuksan and beyond. Weather turned out to be better than initially forecasted.
From YAB TH/Parking area to Winchester lookout is around 3,100' elevation gain and almost 5 miles. From Twin Lakes / Winchester TH to Winchester Lookout is around 1,300' and slightly under 2 miles. No water sources along the Winchester Mountain trail apart from a dirty snow field near the lookout.
Will return and make the drive up, during a week day!
Comments