Frog Lake Butte Twin Lakes Loop

The Frog Lake Butte Twin Lakes Loop is approximately 10.5 kilometers (6.5 miles) long. For jogging, it typically takes around 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery.

This loop is generally considered to be of moderate to difficult intensity for jogging. While some sections along the Pacific Crest Trail are smoother, you should be prepared for steady climbs and descents, including a vigorous ascent to Frog Lake Butte. The total elevation gain is around 328 meters (1,076 feet).

The trail is accessible from the Frog Lake Sno-Park. This is a convenient starting point with parking available. During winter months, a Sno-Park permit is typically required for parking.

The trail offers varied terrain. You'll encounter gentle uphill paths through forested areas, sections with moss-covered trees, and natural ground surfaces. The path to Frog Lake Butte is steep and vigorous, and the Palmeteer Trail section descends with twists and turns. Be aware that icy patches are possible, especially during colder months.

Joggers can enjoy a beautiful old-growth forest with various tree species like lodgepole pine and Douglas-fir. Key highlights include the serene Frog Lake and the picturesque Lower Twin Lake and Upper Twin Lake. The Palmeteer viewpoint offers expansive views of Mt. Hood, Barlow Ridge, and the White River valley. Glimpses of Mt. Hood are also possible from the upper butte and the north end of Upper Twin Lake.

Yes, a significant portion of this loop incorporates sections of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), specifically the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 and PCT - Oregon Section F. It also utilizes parts of the Frog Lake Trail, Frog Lake Butte Trail #484, and Twin Lakes Trail #495.

Generally, trails within the Mount Hood National Forest are dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out any waste. It's advisable to check the latest regulations from the US Forest Service before your visit.

While there isn't a specific entrance fee for the trail itself, a Sno-Park permit is required for parking at the Frog Lake Sno-Park during the winter season (typically November 1 to April 30). For current information on permits and regulations, you can visit the official USDA Forest Service website for Mount Hood National Forest: usda.gov.

The best time to jog this loop is typically from late spring through early fall when the trails are clear of snow and ice. During the appropriate season, rhododendrons add to the floral display. Winter transforms the area into a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, but jogging can be challenging due to snow and ice.

The trail is located within the Mount Hood National Forest, so direct amenities on the trail are limited. For cafes, pubs, and accommodation, you would need to visit nearby towns like Government Camp, Oregon, which offers various services for visitors to the area.

Starting at the Frog Lake Sno-Park provides direct access to the Pacific Crest Trail section of the loop. This allows you to begin with a generally gentle uphill path through forested areas, easing into the more vigorous sections later in the route, such as the climb to Frog Lake Butte.