Contents and photos copyright 2003-2009 K Franson, J Franson, Westernpaddling.com, unless otherwise stated.  All rights reserved.

 

Click below to view:

Home
Up

Twin Lakes (Mammoth Lakes Area)

 

There are several Twin Lakes in California, two of which are only about an hour apart, and not far off US HWY 395.  This Twin Lakes is in the Mammoth Lakes area.  From the outlook high above the lake, located on the road just opposite Lake Mamie, this lake really looks more like a Triple Lakes rather than a Twin Lakes.  Very shallow and with a lot of algae and other plant food in the water, this is a popular lake with fisherman, and fisherman in floaters.  No powerboats allowed, no swimming.  Very much worth paddling.

*************************************************************************************

Photos below were taken 22 July 2007

Portions of the lake are showing a lot more growth coming to the surface than the last time we paddled the lake.  Still a delight to paddle.  Compare photos from 2005 below this set for a look at the amount of growth reaching lake surface.  That said, this has always been a shallow lake, but difference is striking.

Launching at the car-top ramp, in the day use area of Twin Lakes campground.

Note waterfall in background. AdvancedFrame in front, a StraitEdge kayak behind.

The car-top launch ramp in the day use area of Twin Lakes campground.

Compare to the photos from a just over a year ago, further down on this page. Note additional growth rising to surface.

Doing the Limbo under one of the bridges. Growth easy to paddle through. One wonders how and when it will be cleaned up.

Even the larger of the "3" lakes on Twin had significant growth.

Up on one of the mountains there is an arch (or hole) going all the way through.

AdvancedFrame inflatable kayak on Twin Lakes.

Some of the cabins located at the lodge. In winter, this is a popular lodge for cross-country skiers.

Watch your head!

Ouch :)

View the falls coming down from Lake Mamie.

View of Twin Lake from above the falls. Note the growth is visable as shallow areas (i.e. greener spots).

Another view from the top of the falls.

 

 

*************************************************************************************

Photos below taken late summer, 2006

Parking by the lodge on the public parking side of the street. There are many spots to put-in at this lake. This is by the lodge.

Looking north-northwest.

Lake is shallow for most of its length. Fun to watch the fish.

The shallow lake, along with ample food supply, translates into lots of ducks bobbing for morsels.

A footbridge and small road bridge cross the lake. The uppermost bridge has VERY low clearance. Paddlers need to duck!

Waterfall at upper end, within sight of Twin Lakes Campground. This is water coming from Lake Mamie.

Footbridge

Fisherman in floaters, upper portion of Twin Lakes.

Paddling through the shallowest portion of the lake, popular area for fishermen with canoes.

Main portion of the Lodge, with "dock" and rental boat area.

Twin Lake Campground, with general store in background. This is a VERY popular campground (ie summer is packed). Store has showers and supplies.

Twin Lakes Campground has a day use area, seen here alongside the lake.

Twin Lakes seen from road by Lake Mamie

Photo taken near the top of the waterfall that feeds into the upper end of Twin Lakes

Footbridge has plenty of clearance for kayaks and canoes.

In the distance, you can see the waterfall at the upper end of the lake.

Lodge features cabins, dining, and wonderful scenery.

This is the road bridge that you will need to duck under as you paddle underneath. Canoeist may have to sit on boat floor to get under.

The put-in we used for our day paddle, at north end of parking lot across from Lodge.