Middle Tensleep Trail #065

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

You'll have to cross the fast-flowing Middle Tensleep Creek on this trail, as well as some marshland, although in August the water is low enough you can just step across the rocks without wading through and the marsh has dried considerably. I would say bring sandals or wading shoes in the spring though. The trail can be tricky to find once you cross the creek about 5 miles in only because it goes over some granite outcroppings, but keep your eyes open for rock cairns to help guide the way. Some steeper sections of the trail do have loose rocks forcing you to slow down to negotiate the trail carefully, just be careful and make sure you have good boots. Trekking poles aren't a bad idea on this hike. If you are backpacking in be prepared for some pestering bugs, they didn't seem too bad in August but you'll need repellent or your time won't be quite as enjoyable. Good chance you'll see moose around the 4 to 5 mile section.

The trail starts out going through dense sections of trees, climbing a slight incline. About a mile and a quarter in, you reach the creek where a smaller waterfall can be seen.

From the waterfall, you'll pass through more wooded areas for another mile or so. Then you'll drop down through a steep section of switchbacks and finally come into a significant clearing. There will be a couple creek crossings on this hike.

Trail follows the creek in a lot of areas and then turns to steep, rocky sections, to wooded areas and back to meadows near the creek again. The last mile or so is rocky and steep as you get closer to the lakes.

The trail ends at Lost Twin Lakes.