Double scattering lidar events involving long cylindrical particles are discussed. The scatterers are allowed to be randomly oriented and the geometry required in the scattering solution is described in detail. The geometry is general, made to be applicable to any type of particle for which the single scattering matrix is provided, relative to the main axis of the scatterer. Results of the double scattering calculations are presented for the penetration of the lidar light into clouds of different optical depth &tgr; (&tgr;≤0.5).