About half a mile down, the trail splits. It is recommended that the left trail be followed downhill, where it rejoins the other section. The right fork follows the cascades, and is much easier to climb on the return trip. The trail goes down through pine and fir forests, and over a meadow where flowers bloom all summer. Here one can find the leopard lily, grass-of-parnassus, and many others. Watch for glacial polishing on the rocks along the way.
Morning is the best time to photograph the falls, as later in the day (after 2:00 p.m.) they are in shadow. The height of the falls is about 30 feet.
Follow the beautiful cascades (left) on the return trip. Watch for mountainash, as this is one of the few places one can see this small, shrublike tree that produces clumps of brilliant red berries in late August and September.
Below the falls the trail continues downhill to Drakesbad, another 2.5 miles.
[13]. SUMMIT LAKE TO ECHO AND TWIN LAKES
| Starting Point: | East side of Summit Lake, from the trail that encircles the lake |
| Distances: | Echo lake, 2 miles; Upper Twin, 3½ miles; Lower Twin, 4 miles, one way |
| Topography: | Uphill 500 feet in the first mile, descending 500 feet to Lower Twin Lake |
| Time: | Echo Lake, 1½ hours; Upper Twin, 2½ hours; Lower Twin, 3 hours, all one way. Double these times for round trips |
| Features: | Lakes, forests, flowers |
This is a good nature trail, as many kinds of wildflowers, trees, and birds are found. Deer are common in the area. Swimming is good in late summer. This is also a favorite trail for overnight hikers as it leads to the wilderness area of the eastern part of the park.
Hardy hikers may wish to go beyond Twin Lakes. The trail continues past Rainbow Lake to Snag Lake, 3.5 miles, and another trail goes to Butte Lake, 5.5 miles.