Exploring Twin Lakes in the Monashee Mountains during Autumn
Hiking Twin Lakes in the fall might get you two seasons into one hike! Located in the Monashee Mountains in the Okanagan, British Columbia, this trail offers stunning views of the mountains along with two lakes.
tABLE OF CONTENTS
Quick Glance: Fall Hiking Twin Lakes
Time: 3-6 hrs
Distance: 8.9km return
Trail: There and back
Difficulty: Moderate
What to bring: water, snacks, winter/waterproof hiking clothes, microspikes, and hiking poles.
Road conditions: Logging road for 24km. A high-clearance vehicle is recommended but you can make it in your car until about the last 400m where you might have to park and walk to the trailhead.
Other information: It is on an active logging road and caution is needed. The Internet comes and goes.
Getting to Twin Lakes, British Columbia
Take HWY 6 from Vernon, BC (+/- 2hrs) towards Cherryville, BC, and turn onto North Fork Road which will take you to the parking lot. As you're traveling on N Fork Rd, turn left when the pavement turns to gravel (look for the yellow 'pavement ends' road sign). Around the 20km mark, the road starts to get rough and extra caution is needed for the last 2 km otherwise the road isn't too bad. The last 400m before the parking lot has a lot of deep ruts/potholes. High-clearance vehicles will be fine, however, extra care will need to be taken with lower vehicles. You can always park on the side of the road and walk to the trailhead. From the highway to the parking lot, it will take about 45 minutes.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Twin Lakes Trailhead
Internet comes and goes, make sure to download a map before you go. Although there are ribbon markers in the trees, hiking the Twin Lakes in the fall can mean fresh snow which makes it a bit tricky to find the trail. Luckily, there were some hikers before us who marked the path. At the parking lot, there is a picnic table otherwise, start your hike at the trailhead sign.
There are some steep sections and hiking poles and microspikes might be a good option if it has snowed or in general to help you down.
Photo: Top-Parking lot; Bottom-start of the trailhead
i. Twin Lakes
Reaching the lakes is a bit of a steep descent but a gorgeous view of the first lake along with the mountain tops. Keep following the trail to the second lake and take a quick break to enjoy your lunch as well as the view!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
Camping is an option at Twin Lakes but there are no facilities. If camping in the fall, be aware that there is always a possibility of snow and be prepared accordingly. To return to the parking lot, take the same trail back.
Hiking in the alpine during fall does have a higher chance of snow happening. Please be prepared for winter hiking and always check the weather before you go. If you're looking for more tips on hiking in different weather, check out the Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Cooler Weather or the Top 10 Tips for Hiking in Hot Weather the next time you explore.