2.2 km away
Lassen Peak Trail
The must-do hike to the summit of the park's namesake mountain.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 7.5 km
- Ascent
- 611 m
- Descent
- 611 m
Three exquisite alpine lakes, linked by a path through sunny and colorful woodland.
Hiking Moderate
These lakes are three cerulean gems in the mountainous heart of the national park. Some say they are the most scenic alpine lakes in Lassen. You can see the first two in a very short hike, and go a bit farther to see the third and prettiest of them all.
The trail begins from a roadside pullout on the Lassen Peak Highway, and immediately descends through open woodland. On this north-facing slope, you may walk through patches of snow in early summer, or quite a bit of snow in the spring.
First comes Terrace Lake, which is neatly cradled between rocky hillsides and has one grassy clearing beside it. From there, the trail meanders over a low rise and leads down to Shadow Lake. This one is larger, with a pebbly beach and shallow gradient that's good for wading if the sun is warm.
Continuing on, the trail trends farther downhill and passes through larger meadows, colored with flowers in early summer. At cliff lake, you'll find sparkling water with a tree island in the middle, against a backdrop of green and gray on the flank of Reading Peak. This is a coveted spot for photographers, and is also a great place for a picnic or to watch for wildlife. When you are ready, turn around and retrace the path, which is almost all uphill back to the road.
Sources: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hikingterraceshadowclifflakes.htm https://www.americansouthwest.net/california/lassenvolcanic/cliff-lake-trail.html
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
2.2 km away
The must-do hike to the summit of the park's namesake mountain.
Difficult Hiking
2.4 km away
Ultra-popular hike to a cascading creek and waterfall in a verdant gorge.
Difficult Hiking
3.2 km away
Lassen's largest hydrothermal area, full of heated water and vapors spewing from underground.
Moderate Hiking
5.2 km away
An extended stroll through Lassen’s backcountry interior, packed with pristine lakes in subalpine forest.
Moderate Hiking
6.3 km away
Hilly forest trail to the top of a 75-foot waterfall in a deep gorge.
Moderate Hiking
7 km away
Unrelenting ascent on a good trail, to one of the national park's most dramatic peaks.
Difficult Hiking
7.9 km away
Hike along a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail to find a warm creek, a hot lake, and a steaming vent in a lesser-traveled corner of Lassen.
Moderate Hiking
7.9 km away
Witness a highly active hydrothermal area in Lassen's peaceful Warner Valley.
Moderate Hiking
8.1 km away
Miles 1350.1-1377.4 of the northbound PCT: Continuing through Lassen National Park, past backcountry lakes and views of volcanic peaks.
Moderate Hiking
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