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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a wonderful hike that can be done in a single day or spread over two days staying at Clover Creek or Twin Lakes backcountry camps. From the Lodgepole Campground, the trail ascends steadily through deep forest with occasional small meadows blooming with wildflowers. About 2 miles along the trail you will reach Cahoon meadow, a perfect spot for a break and some picture taking. The next waypoint is at Clover Creek, 4 miles in, where you will reach a trail junction and several lovely campsites. Head right towards Twin Lakes, up a somewhat steep section of trail another 1.7 miles over Cahoon Gap and into Twin Lakes. Twin lakes is perfect for an overnight stay if you are backpacking, but note that you cannot have campfires at this site. If you fish, make sure to bring your gear. There are countless brook trout in the smaller of the two Twin Lakes. Beyond Twin lakes, the turn around point for this hike, lie the stunning vistas of Sillman pass. Trailhead: Sequoia National Park is located in Central California, east of the town of Visalia. Take highway 198 into Sequoia Park and follow it to the LodgePole Campground. You can park you car in a large parking lot near the campfire amphitheater. Cross the bridge over the Kaweah River and you will see the trailhead on the right. Take the trailhead to Twin Lakes. Make sure to remove all food and items that have a scent from your car and put them in the bear lockers next to the parking area. (Lat:36.60494 Lon:-118.72292) Trail Guides for Sequoia NP - Twin Lakes Trail: California Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Ann Marie Brown (Foghorn Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Horses, Ranger Contact: Sequoia National Park Wilderness Office (559)565-3766 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Ozzie on 8/24/2009 We hiked it in 2002 and are planning to do it again this year, spectacular views. I am bringing my sons 8,13. worth sharing the same experience I had before.
Reviewed by Ryan S. on 8/20/2009 I am 14 years old and hiked this trail for the first time in June of 2009 after have been going up for six years at my cabin and it is worth the long trip up. You will enjoy it completely for all of the scenery and wildlife you experience. I had the pleasure of seeing and hearing a golden eagle in a tree calling to other eagles. It is worth the trip up to see the meadows and the streams. Take it!!!!! I am definatly taking it again next summer!!!!! :) (:
Reviewed by Monica on 7/9/2008 People usually do this hike in 2-3 days but I did it in 9 hours. I've done small hikes before but never anything as strenuous as this (the last mile uphill to Twin Lakes was killer). Despite all of that, the scenery was breathtaking. Pictures do not do justice to the beauty of Cahoon Meadows or Twin Lakes. I'd recommend walking slowly and if you plan on reaching the lakes, there are lots of mosquitoes there. Saw several mule dears, and some snow on the ground (late June). I'm a beginner hiker so this trail is possible and definitely worth it. 
Reviewed by Charles P. on 5/29/2007 Hiked it with my wife and our three kids, ages 7, 9 and 11 over the Memorial Day weekend. It was our first backpacking trip. My recommendation for the less daring (or those overloaded with equipment or kids) - hike up slowly (funeral procession style), lunch at Cahoon Meadows and set up base camp at Clover Creek (approximately 4.8 miles into it). Next day, leave gear at Clover Creek and day hike up to Twin Lakes - it's relatively all up hill to Twin lakes 4 miles round trip). You can have a fire at Clover Creek and there's a bear locker there. Third day, return to Lodgepole. There was some snow on the ground near the Cahoon Pass as well as snow up at Twin Lakes. Wonderful views and well worth the effort!
Reviewed by Steve T. on 6/26/2005 Driving from LA to Lodgepole with a 2 and 3 year old was very trying. I'm on vacation for a week and all stressed with crying kids. My wife tells me to take a hike! In the morning (5AM) I walk towards twin lakes. I didn't want to leave the family all day so I only went to Cahoon pass. Pictures and words don't do it justice, you have to see it. Still etched in my memory is Stillman meadow. I only saw one other person on the hike. That was ten years ago and we are going back next month and I can't wait to walk it again, this time the complete hike and take my now 13 year old son with me!
Reviewed by Wade M. on 2/13/2004 One of the best day hikes ever, met not a soul, Wife told me of a childhood experience that took two day, a near death night and a lot of anxiety. Told her I'd go up and come down with a limit of trout by 3:00 pm. Well didn't make it down till dusk. Saw marmot, spruce grouse the size of a turkey, walked up on a sleeping deer. It was first week of July(2000)My impression of the big lake is that it's an embrace from above. You'd have to go there to understand, but the feeling is there. Snow on ground and 70 plus degrees. Difficulty would be a 6 on scale of 10. Went two time to the Twin Lakes in 1 week. Easy Limits of Brook Trout to 13 inches. To be at a place like Twin Lakes on a day hike is a great outdoor experience. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Tulare County Hiking, Tulare County Trails, Tulare County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||