About Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Nestled in at the south end of Upper Twin Lake, this site offers picnicking and camping in a serene setting with a few primitive campsites. Bright yellow balsam root are abundant in the spring. Popular activities here are fishing and paddling on the lakes, hiking, backpacking, hunting, horseback riding, waterfowl and wildflower viewing and photography. Anglers fish for stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, yellow bullhead, black crappie, and sunfish. Trails wind through shrub-steppe uplands, and the upper Lake Creek Canyon. Developed wetlands supporting numerous bird populations north of the lakes invite overland hikers to come and explore.Know Before You GoThe Twin Lakes Area is open year-round.Both lakes have primitive boat launches, and the upper lake also has a small dock.There are no services available.Beware of rattlesnakes, especially from May through October.For fishing or hunting regulations in the Twin Lakes area, contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife.Point of InterestThis area is a unique part of the Channeled Scablands with more than 16,000 acres of BLM public land located in Lincoln County. It is managed for its recreational opportunities and wildlife habitat.
How to Get There
From Highway 28 at Harrington turn west onto Coffeepot Road and travel about 12 miles, then turn right onto Highline Road. Watch for public land access signs. Drive 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right. Follow this access road for about two miles to reach the recreation site.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Heading to Twin Lakes Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Twin Lakes Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/15162) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Twin Lakes Recreation Area?
From Highway 28 at Harrington turn west onto Coffeepot Road and travel about 12 miles, then turn right onto Highline Road. Watch for public land access signs. Drive 1.5 miles to the entrance on the right. Follow this access road for about two miles to reach the recreation site.
How do I contact Twin Lakes Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 509-536-1200 or email: BLM_OR_SP_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
