I read about this one in one of the 100 hikes books, the weekend called for the usual grey skies and rain I was looking for a short hike. I arrived at the Twin Lake trail head around 12:30.
The trail to Twin Lake is in pretty good shape. It looks as if it is getting a little over grown though. There was much brush along the trail although it was well defined. There were a few spots where it was bog-like and my boots sunk in a little bit. In a few other spots the trail was completely covered by 4-6 inches of water.
There were at least 5 blow-downs and at least 3 of them were rough to bypass.
I was able to see Vanilla leaf in flower, Red Huckleberry, Coltsfoot, Trillum, Canadian Dogwood, Creeping Raspberry, Salal, Thimbleberry, Tall Yellow Violet, Bleeding Heart, Fireweed, there was also something else that looked just like the Tall Yellow Violet but it was a bluish purple, It was not in my book. Maybe it is Tall Violet or something.
In the marshy areas I saw Marsh Marigold, and 1 Skunk Cabbage plant that seemed a little out of place as I saw no others. I did notice that there were some weeds popping up in a few spots and some Herb Robert that was trying to take a foothold. I saw the beginings of Devils club and Bear Grass. Also, a lot of waterfalls were around that were flowing pretty good.
You have to cross a few roads but it is no problem as the way is obvious. Follow the rock karnes. There are signs.
I took the detour to the lake on the return from Mt Catherine. Twin Lake is hardly a small dust bowl. There is a large campsite right before the lake. I had to wear my rain pants as the swordfern and berry bushes were a little over grown and very wet.
I was back to the lumina at around 3:30. I am glad that I did this hike as I am more familiar with the area now and have some good pictures even though it was cloudy. I am sure on a clear summer day it would be great, but the views are still limited.
Margaret lake on the other side of I-90 is well more rewarding even with the clearcut.
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