Overview
The Twin Lakes Trail travels 4.1 miles into the Caribou Wilderness, passing through basalt plateaus, lodgepole forest, and open meadow before reaching Twin Lakes, a pair of shallow alpine lakes at roughly 6,700 feet. The route starts from the Silver Bowl Trailhead and traverses some of the most open volcanic terrain in Lassen National Forest.
Twin Lakes sees fewer visitors than Caribou Lake despite similar access difficulty, making it a genuine option for those wanting a full wilderness day without the most popular destination. Fishing for brook and rainbow trout is a primary draw, and backpackers use the area as a base for multi-day routes connecting to other Caribou Wilderness lakes.
The Route
Trailhead to First Ridge (Mile 0 to 1.5)
The trail from Silver Bowl Trailhead gains elevation steadily through open red fir and lodgepole forest. The first 1.5 miles are the most sustained climbing on the route, reaching a low ridge with the first open views over the Caribou Plateau.
Plateau Traverse (Mile 1.5 to 3.0)
The trail levels across the plateau, alternating between basalt slab sections and sandy pumice flats. This is the most exposed part of the route with minimal shade. In July, paintbrush, penstemon, and lupine bloom along the trail margins. Several smaller seasonal ponds are visible to the north in early season.
Descent to Twin Lakes (Mile 3.0 to 4.1)
The trail drops gently through a lodgepole forest bowl to reach the first of the two lakes. The lakes are connected by a short outlet stream, and the southern lake tends to be deeper and clearer. Flat camping areas exist on the east shore of both lakes.
The return follows the same route.
When to Hike
July through August is the primary season. Snow usually clears from the plateau by early July, and the full route is accessible through October. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and early August; start by 7 a.m. for best conditions.
September is the best month for solitude. Temperatures are cooler, the mosquito season (heavy in July) has ended, and fishing remains productive.
Before July, the plateau sections and north-facing slopes often hold significant snow. A map and navigation skills are important early in the season when trail markers may be buried.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for this full-day hike. Water is available at the lakes and from streams along the route, but treat or filter all backcountry water. Individual hydration needs vary with temperature and exertion.
The plateau sections offer little shade, so sun protection including hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses is important. Bring rain gear: afternoon thunderstorms are frequent in midsummer. Trekking poles help on the rocky descent to the lakes.
For fishing, a valid California freshwater fishing license is required. Brook and rainbow trout are present in both lakes.
Trailhead Access
The Silver Bowl Trailhead is accessed via Forest Road 10 off Highway 44 east of Old Station. The road is unpaved; high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. Standard passenger vehicles can make it in dry conditions, but the road degrades significantly when wet.
No permit is required for day hiking or dispersed camping in the Caribou Wilderness (as of 2026). The trailhead has no restrooms or water.
Nearby
The Caribou Lake Trail shares a similar access corridor and is a good companion hike for a two-day trip to the area. The Thousand Lakes Wilderness Loop offers a longer multi-day option in a neighboring wilderness area to the west.
Check fire restrictions and road conditions before your trip at Checking Conditions Before You Go. Follow Leave No Trace 7 Principles, particularly around the lake margins where vegetation is slow to recover from trampling.