Twin Lakes and Granite Mountain Lookout

“It’s just over that ridge”,  “It’s only steep for the last part”, and “Come on, the view will be worth it”. If you have ever bit off more than you can chew while hiking, I can almost guarantee that outing was preceded by your friends spewing one of the above lines.

Hikers are ever the optimists but sometimes optimism can guide you straight towards overexerted legs and a bruised ego. Thus enters Granite Mountain, a beast of a hike that looks good on paper but weak spirits need not apply. A grueling uphill battle will have those legs shaking like jello in an earthquake.

From Granite Mountain Lookout you’ll get a 360-degree view of the Payette National Forest and multiple Alpine lakes including Goose Lake and Twin Lakes. I won’t trap you into telling you the view is worth it. That is something you can decide for yourself.

Twin Lakes Trailhead

You don’t have an irrational fear of cows, do you? Alright good, because the beginning of this trail is going to put you in close proximity to more than a few bovine. The Twin Lakes trailhead which is the starting point for both Twin Lakes and Granite Mountain Lookout is located next to a Cattle Association. Please be respectful of these animals and watch your step for the “presents’ they tend to leave behind. Stepping on a cow pie is not a fun way to start off your hike.

If you do misstep, you’ll have the opportunity to clean off during the creek crossing. Shortly after starting the trail you’ll need to rock hop across Goose Creek.

The nearest maintained campground is Grouse Campground near Goose Lake. For more information on the campground click here

Twin Lakes

At a half-mile in the trail comes to a Y. A wooden sign clearly marks which trail goes where. Head right and venture to Twin Lakes.  The lakes are so close together they look like one big lake when eyeballing them from the shoreline. While not the most beautiful alpine lakes in Idaho, their sheer size warrants a visit.

Twin Lakes is an active fishing spot, but the water level fluctuates quite frequently which will affect shore fishing. The best fishing is on the far side of the lake but there is no real trail. You’re going to need to bushwhack to access that area.

The lake also sports a huge breeding ground for frogs. Climb a few rocks and witness thousands of tadpoles swimming around you.

Granite Mountain Lookout

If you stopped at Twin Lakes head back to the Y. Going left at the fork will take you up Granite Mountain to the wildfire lookout. The first half of the trail takes you through forest terrain with a medium incline.

At about 1.5 miles the trail drastically steepens as you leave the trees behind. The trail becomes very rocky, eventually turning into switchbacks marked only by cairns. Another mile or so of ridge climbing will allow you to see the lookout for the first time.

The trail continues to increase in difficulty for the last mile. If you survive the climb, you are a badass! Enjoy the views from the Granite Mountain lookout built in 1913. There may be a ranger in the tower so announce yourself when you arrive, don’t just climb up there.

Full Disclosure: We did not summit on our first attempt at this hike. Due to the difficulty, our border collie was completely wiped out from the climb at around mile 6 and we had to turn around. I actually had to carry her part way down because she was so exhausted.

Overall

Don’t overestimate your hiking ability when considering Granite Mountain and Twin Lakes. For most, an afternoon at Twin Lakes will be plenty of adventure. For the die-hard hikers, you can continue on to Granite Mountain lookout and basque in the glow of your toughness while enjoying panoramic views of the Salmon River Mountains and the 7 Devils of Hells Canyon.

Trail Tips

• There is very little shade on this trail, so start early in the summertime.
• Don’t drink any water from Goose Creek or Twin Lakes.
• Your dog can be off leash once past the cows.
• Don’t get in between a cow and her calf

Chad Albright

Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.