North and South Twin Lakes, Volcanic lakes in Deschutes National Forest, Oregon, US

North and South Twin Lakes are two lakes formed in shallow volcanic craters within Deschutes National Forest in Central Oregon. The larger body spans around 112 acres while the smaller one covers approximately 99 acres.

These lakes formed roughly 20,000 years ago when rising magma met groundwater, triggering steam explosions that carved out two craters which then filled with water. This volcanic event shaped the landscape and created the two separate basins.

South Twin Lake was treated with rotenone by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1987 to clear rough fish, then restocked with fingerlings and rainbow trout; anglers now catch fish averaging 10 to 14 inches, with 18-inch trout common and a record rainbow over 13.5 pounds. North Twin Lake was illegally stocked with catfish before 2008.

South Twin Lake Campground offers forest service facilities, while Twin Lakes Resort provides cabins, boat rentals, and a convenience store. Visitors should prepare for cold water temperatures and plan visits during warmer months for the best experience.

South Twin Lake was poisoned with rotenone by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in 1987 to clear rough fish before restocking with rainbow trout. The largest rainbow recorded there weighed over 13.5 pounds (6.1 kg). North Twin Lake, meanwhile, was illegally stocked with catfish sometime before 2008.