| North and South Twin Lakes | |
| Location: | Deschutes County, Oregon, United States |
| Coords: | 43.7167°N -171°W |
| Type: | Natural lakes |
| Basin Countries: | United States |
North and South Twin Lakes are two nearly identical natural lakes in Deschutes County, Oregon. Both were formed around 20,000 years ago when a rising magma reservoir reached groundwater, creating violent steam explosions. Two craters were formed, later filling with water.[1] [2]
North Twin Lake has an elevation of 4340feet,[3] while South Twin Lake is 6feet lower, at 4334feet.[4] North is larger, having a surface area of, compared to South's . North is also deeper, with an average depth of 40feet and a maximum depth of 60feet.[1] South is shallower, with an average depth of 33feet and a maximum depth of 58feet.[2]
In 1987, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife poisoned South Twin Lake to remove rough fish. The lake is stocked with fingerlings and rainbow trout. North Twin Lake was illegally stocked with catfish some time before 2008. The largest recorded rainbow trout caught from South Twin Lake weighed over 13.5lbs. The trout average 10inchesto14inchesin (toin) long, with 18inches fish common.[5]
The Twin Lakes have surprisingly calm winds compared to other Cascade Lakes. South Twin Lake is completely tree-lined except for the beach day-use area. Water levels vary little over the season. The lake is rich with weedbeds.[5]