Ashland Lakes - Twin Falls Lake Trail

This hike takes in 4 lakes that are relatively easy to reach, each a bit harder then the first, and all of them have several camping sites. They are located in the Morningstar Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA), managed by the DNR. The first lake is Beaver Plant Lake, small but surrounding wet meadow areas make it much larger looking. Next is Upper Ashland Lake, followed by a decent into Lower Ashland Lake. Both offer relaxing views and plenty of camping. Kids will love all the boardwalks getting to these lakes. Last is a 1.7 mile decent into Twin Falls Lake. This last lake is a bit tougher to reach as the trail is more narrow, slick in places and even possibly closed if the DNR deems the bridges unsafe. But arrival at Twin Falls Lake is sure to prompt a Wow out of any visitor.

Washington Hiking & Climbing - Mountain Loop Highway

Travel from Granite Falls on the Mountain Loop Highway approximately 15.7 miles to FS road 4020, and follow signs to trailhead. Forest Road 4020 is a gravel road for 2.7 miles to a junction. Bear right onto FR 4021 and continue 1.4 miles to another junction. Turn left onto FR Spur 016, reaching the Ashland Lakes trailhead in 0.2 miles.

From the parking area, the trail follows an old logging road that is quickly converting into a nice and easy trail. This goes for just over a mile when you reach more mature trees on a normal hiking trail. Huge old stumps will still be surrounding you but keep an eye out, see if your kids notice the transition into old-growth forest. After a few hills, the boardwalks begin and kids and adults enjoy...unless they are really wet, then a few curses. At 1.7 miles is a junction with little Beaver Plant Lake. Take the short walk to the left to go see the lake. Then take a right at the junction and continue. Shortly after Beaver Plant Lake, a trail takes off left to Bald Mountain. (Do this another day via the Mallardy Ridge Trail). Soon you are at Upper Ashland. There is a loop trail around this lake. At the far end of the lake, is a 4 way junction. Now drop down several switchbacks to Lower Ashland Lake. Beyond Lower Ashland, the trail follows more boardwalks for awhile but then becomes a trail. As of May 2011 to this write-up in June 2014, the trail to this last lake is closed. Maintenance was not being done and several small bridges were broken requiring a bit of maneuvering to cross. Once you reach the lake, follow signs to camps and viewpoints. Twin Falls plunges 138 feet directly into the lake.