The hiking season is upon us with rumors of better weather approaching. Yeah, it’s Oregon, so perhaps taking those words with a grain of salt is wise.

Even though I really don’t care for hiking as a specific goal, I don’t mind walking miles if there is another purpose involved, such as fishing, hunting, rock hunting, wildflower viewing or even just beautiful scenery. But that’s just me.

If you just like to hike with your family, also enjoy some of the above mentioned treats and want a place to get away, consider a voyage to Twin Lakes in the Umpqua National Forest this summer. The short hikes involved will provide beautiful views, wildflowers, hike-in camping and fishing for eastern brook trout.

There are two ways to approach Twin Lakes.

One provides an amazing view from a high cliff where you’ll thrill at these two, glacier-scooped jewels after a hike among many varieties of wildflowers (mid-June). You can take a rather nasty hike down to the lakes from there, but I’d advise against doing so unless you’re into extreme physical pursuits.

To get there, from Bend, take U.S. 97 south through La Pine to State Highway 138 past Chemult. Countinue on 138 until you can turn left south) on to Forest Service Road 4714 which will turn into 330 or Panther Creek Road. Continue on to 2705 before turning left onto after 4 miles. In less than a mile turn right on 2715. In about eight miles, turn left on 2715-530 and continue to the trailhead (trail 1500). The cliff is only a short hike, through wildflowers, from the parking area.

If you want to reach the lakes, from the 138, take an immediate left before the North Umpqua at Marsters Bridge; Forest Service Road 4770. Between 9 and 10 miles you’ll reach the trailhead, and it’s about an easy mile (take the right fork of the trail) of fairly flat walking to the first lake, Big Twin.

It’s about 14 acres and 48 feet in depth with several camp spots, a couple old shelters and an outhouse. The lake is overloaded with Eastern Brook Trout, which need some thinning. Brookies are some of the finest eating trout there are, especially cooked — fresh caught — over a campfire. If you’re going to try fishing for them, I’d suggest a spinning rod with light line, and a good supply of Thomas lures (the brass color). Cast, let sink, then retrieve with a jigging/fluttering action.

Little Twin is a short hike past. It’s about 6 acres and 30 feet deep; has fish too (or did). Both are beautiful and serene. There’s an impressive view of the cliff overlooking the lakes, not to mention big timber and wildlife which may appear. It’s a great place to spend a couple of nights by yourself or with family and friends.

If you just want a day hike for a break from fly fishing the river, this offers a different option than the Umpqua Trail — running past Marsters Bridge — provides. The lakes will also give your kids — and you — a chance to cool off with a swim in a reasonably safe environment, unlike the powerful river you may be camped beside. Don’t swim in the North Umpqua. I’ve seen confident swimmers get in trouble rapidly and swear they’ll never do that again.