Twin Lakes Trail

Twin Lakes Trail in Moran State Park loops through some of the finest old-growth forest on Orcas Island, connecting two serene mountain lakes tucked into forested hollows on the slopes of Mount Constitution. The trail passes through cathedral stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, some trees exceeding 300 years in age, where the deep shade supports a lush understory of sword fern, oxalis, and trillium. The upper and lower Twin Lakes are small, tranquil bodies of water reflecting the surrounding forest canopy and offering a welcome destination for rest and wildlife observation. Wood ducks, belted kingfishers, and great blue herons are among the bird species commonly encountered at the lakeshore. The trail undulates through the terrain, gaining and losing elevation as it circumnavigates both lakes and connects through the forest between them. Mossy nurse logs and decaying stumps host miniature ecosystems of fungi and seedlings, providing excellent examples of forest succession dynamics. The quiet, shaded atmosphere of this trail provides a welcome contrast to the windswept summit experience and rewards hikers who take time to observe the intricate details of the old-growth ecosystem. Spring brings wildflowers including calypso orchids along the shadier sections of trail. A peaceful and rewarding hike for nature lovers of all ages.