Trail map
This group of six lakes is easily reached by the trail from Badger Flat.
Mule-ears (wyethia) puts on a magnificent display in Badger Flats, and falsehellebore is prevalent in places. Spreading phlox is especially attractive in late June and early July along the beginning of the trail, and paintbrush further up, along with Newberry penstemon or pride-of-the-mountains.
The trail passes through open forested areas in a relatively level section of Lassen. After passing the second lake the trail forks. The left trail goes to Silver Lake. The trail continues over rather level terrain past Feather Lake to Lower Twin Lake, another 2 miles.
From Big Bear Lake the trail continues 3.5 miles to Summit Lake, crossing two ridges on the way.
Trail map
For wildflowers during midsummer Paradise Meadows is one of the best areas in the park. Elephanthead and gentian can be seen near Hat Lake; scarlet gilia along the first mile; and columbine, lupine, monkshood, penstemon (both red and blue), falsehellebore, and many other species will be found in the meadow area. Also, it is a good area to see birds and deer.
For about a mile the trail goes up rather steeply. At the meadows there are good views of Lassen and Reading peaks, and the cirque in which the meadows lie.
Upon reaching lower Paradise Meadows a trail turns to the right. This goes to the Park Road near Terrace Lake. (SeePark Road to Hat Lake trail.)
Mertens Cassiope
Mertens Cassiope
Trail map
Chaos Crags were formed by lava being forced upward and hardening in place, similar to squeezing toothpaste out of a tube. Considerable volcanic activity took place in the crater at the north base of the Crags. As a result of this activity a huge landslide occurred, strewing rocks over 2½ square miles, including the area around Manzanita and Reflection lakes. This rock slide is called Chaos Jumbles.
The trail follows through pine-fir forests close to the edge of the Jumbles. Many saprophytes can be seen along the trail, together with pipsissewa and pyrolas.
The crater at the base of the Crags is filled with snow early in the season, later melting to form a small lake which may dry up toward the end of the summer.
The trees in the Jumbles are small, but in spite of their size, many are over 250 years old. From the age of the oldest trees it is estimated that the eruption and landslide occurred about 1690.
Trail map
This trail is maintained by the National Park Service primarily as a nature trail. Leaflets are available describing 43 numbered points of interest, many of which are trees, shrubs, and flowers. Ten of the 12 species of coniferous trees found in the park are along this trail. In the pond itself are aquatic plants and amphibians. The willows and alders nearby are shelters for several species of birds. Deer are frequently seen in the area, as well as ground squirrels and other small mammals. In the early summer the brilliant snowplant is quite common along the trail.
This is an excellent trail for a person to become acquainted with the flora and fauna of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Leaflets may be purchased at the trail head describing 43 points of interest.
Trail map
On the south side of the lake the trail goes through manzanita brush and open meadows. Along the west side is ponderosa pine forest with alder thickets by the lake. Along this stretch can be seen some of the few black cottonwood trees found in the park. On the north side is the road, with willow and alder thickets by the shore, and on the east side is the lodge and campground. From the west side are excellent views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. A good variety of birds may be observed, including ducks, geese, coots, grebes, warblers, finches, swallows, blackbirds, sapsuckers, and nighthawks. Deer are frequently seen in the manzanita. An easy, pleasant walk.
Trail map
This hike starts on a fire road that provides steady, but relatively easy climbing. The first 0.7 mile is through manzanita, and birds and smaller mammals can be observed. When the forest of red fir and lodgepole pine is reached the trail becomes much more appealing, and striking views of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak are glimpsed through the trees.
On the last half mile, where the creek winds and tumbles through sloping meadows, the wildflower display is magnificent. Flowers bloom profusely through July and August. Walk through the upper meadows to see the Lassen paintbrush (found only in this park), the pink Lewis monkeyflower, the brilliant fireweed, both the blue and the white monkshood, and many others. Camera, binoculars, and lunch are all advisable for this trip.
Trail map
This is one of the most perfectly formed cinder cones in the United States, and one of the most recent. In the spring of 1851, pioneers following Emigrant, or Nobles, Trail saw the results of the previous winter’s eruption.
For persons interested in geology or photography this trail is a must. It goes through open forest for about 1.5 miles, close to the base of the cone, and the rest of the trail is in the open. The trail up the cone is fairly steep, and is in loose Cinders, making climbing similar to what it would be in loose sand. The climb is not difficult if made with frequent rest stops. High shoes or boots are advisable.
The Cinder Cone Summit commands excellent views of Lassen, Prospect, Harkness, and other mountains, of Butte and Snag Lakes, and of the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes. A trail completely encircles the double crater, and a spur goes down into the crater. Another trail continues down the south side of the cone and encircles it, adding another mile for a 5 mile round trip. It passes near the 1851 vent from which lava flowed. This is now a small ice grotto.
Self-guiding leaflets which describe 44 numbered points of interest may be purchased at the Ranger Station.
Mountain Hemlock Cones
Mountain Hemlock Cones
Trail map
Prospect Peak provides commanding views of Lassen, Harkness, West Prospect, Shasta, and other surrounding mountains, several lakes, and the crater of the Cinder Cone. In the early summer there is a small lake in the crater of Prospect Peak, an ancient volcano.
About a half mile from Butte Lake the trail leaves the Cinder Cone trail, and climbs steadily through ponderosa pine, fir, and sub-alpine forests to above timberline. Birds and other wildlife abound, and occasionally, bobcats or even a mountain lion may be seen.
During June and early July there is snow in the crater. No drinking water is available.
Trail map
This is a delightful, easy walk through open ponderosa pine and fir forest to two small lakes. The first lake is a quarter mile and the second (Bathtub) a half mile from the camp. For good (not icy) swimming these lakes are recommended. And for a leisurely nature walk one can easily spend two hours looking for birds and flowers and identifying trees and shrubs.
Trail map
For sheer beauty and a feeling of wilderness, this is an excellent trail. Good views of the lake and the Cinder Cone are frequent. Deer and a variety of birds, trees, and flowers may be observed.
In the first mile the trail ascends a hill overlooking the lake. After crossing Butte Creek it follows close to the shore to the south end.
From the south end of the lake the trail continues 2.5 miles to Snag Lake and another 3 miles to either Juniper or Horseshoe lakes. (See TrailNo. 27, Butte Lake to Snag Lake;No. 28, Horseshoe Lake to Snag Lake; andNo. 29, Juniper Lake to Snag Lake.)
Trail map
The first 2 miles is trailNo. 25, Butte Lake. From the Widow Lake trail are scenic views of Cinder Cone, Lassen Peak, Prospect Peak, Mount Harkness, and many other mountains of the vicinity. From the south end of Butte Lake the trail climbs rapidly, about 1,000 feet in 2 miles.
From Widow Lake the trail continues south, past the Red Cinder Cone to Jakey Lake (6 miles), and on to Juniper Lake (10 miles).
Trail map
The first 2 miles is TrailNo. 25, Butte Lake. From the south end of Butte Lake there are two trails. One, not maintained by the Park Service, goes by the base of the lava flow, and the other goes through the forest to Snag Lake. Along the lava flow one can easily picture the volcanic activity as the trail winds close to huge basalt blocks.
The two trails come together at the bay on the east shore and one trail continues to the south end of the lake. From this point a trail leads to Juniper Lake, another to Horseshoe Lake, and another around Snag Lake and back to Butte Lake via the Cinder Cone. The total distances from Butte Lake are: to Juniper or Horseshoe lakes, 10 miles; and around Snag Lake and the Cinder Cone back to Butte Lake, 13 miles.
Trail map
In the meadow northeast of the Horseshoe Lake Ranger Station the remains of an early settler’s cabin can be seen, and many wildflowers and birds. The trail follows Grassy Creek much of the way to Snag Lake.
Snag Lake was created by lava flows from Cinder Cone damming Grassy Creek. The trees that were killed slowly rotted and fell into the lake, but in the early days of the park there were many standing snags to be seen. Since the lake seeps through lava, the level varies considerably from year to year and season to season, depending on the rains.
Trails follow both the east and west sides of Snag Lake, continuing to Butte Lake. (See TrailNo. 27.)
Trail map
Wildflowers bloom profusely in Cameron Meadows during July and often into August, and it is a good area for birds and deer. Here, also, are the remains of an early settler’s cabin.
The trail is shaded by ponderosa pine and fir forest most of the way, except for a short stretch at Cameron Meadows. From here it swings close to the east fork of Grassy Creek and continues on to Snag Lake.
From Snag Lake TrailNo. 27continues on to Butte Lake.
Jeffrey Pine
Jeffrey Pine
Trail map
Inspiration Point is well named, as it affords some of the finest views of Lassen, Harkness, Prospect, and more distant mountains. Snag, Butte, and Juniper lakes are in full view, as well as Cameron Meadows and Cinder Cone. To the southeast of the trail, as you approach Inspiration Point, look for the fine specimens of western juniper. The trail climbs steadily through western white pine and red fir timber to the open area of the point. Various birds may be seen as well as deer and small mammals.
Trail map
This lake lies in a cirque below the Crystal Cliffs. From the trail are views of Juniper Lake, Lassen and other peaks. Many consider it the most beautiful lake in Lassen. A relatively easy hike through forests and meadows surrounding the lake.
Trail map
The trail winds upward through the pine-fir forest. On top of Mount Harkness is the only fire lookout station in the park. From it are outstanding views of Juniper Lake and Lassen, Brokeoff, Prospect, and other peaks in the park, as well as the Sierra to the south and other mountains to the east and north. On top, the brilliant red bloom of the smooth cycladenia brightens the rocky slopes during July.
The lookout is staffed during the summer months and usually these people are glad to have visitors provided water or food are not requested. All of their supplies must be packed to the mountain top.
By proceeding down the west side of Mount Harkness, then turning northeast along the shores of Juniper Lake, an interesting all-day hike can be had. The round trip will require about 6 hours and involve about 5½ miles of hiking.
Trail map
Trail map
A number of steam vents are located under Boiling Springs Lake, keeping the temperature of the lake around 125 degrees. The mudpots on the southeast shore are among the best in the park. Their coloring is magnificent.
The trail crosses a meadow and then goes through forest to the lake and around it. Trees include incense-cedar, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, sugar pine, and others. A variety of wildflowers are found, and it is a good area to observe birds.
At the beginning of the trail hikers can pick up a leaflet describing 44 points of interest. These refer to trees, shrubs, flowers, geology, and other nature subjects. This is a relatively easy walk and one can profitably spend half a day using the leaflet.
Trail map
This hydrothermal area is larger than the Sulphur Works, smaller than Bumpass Hell, and differs from both. Hot Springs Creek runs through the area, and on a shelf just above this creek are a number of mudpots. Whoever named this area apparently imagined the devil cooking over these pots. The area extends above and beyond the mudpots with a number of steam vents on the side of the hill. And at the lower end are a group of trees which were killed quite recently when new vents opened up. In exploring the hot springs area, hikers should be extremely careful as crusts may be thin and trails thru the area have not been established.
The trail to Devil’s Kitchen crosses a meadow near Drakesbad (where one should look for wildflowers) and enters the forest. Just beyond the meadow are some dead snags where marmots are frequently seen. Further along, just below the trail and in the creek are some beaver dams.
This is an excellent trail for those interested in biology and geology.
These trails are shown on the topographic map of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Experienced hikers may want to visit places not on the trails, and with a topographic map as a guide should be able to go to a number of places in comparative safety. But beginners should stick to the established trails. Before venturing off the trails one should consult with a park ranger.