150 miles of hiking trails which include 17 miles of the Pacific Crest
Trail offer a variety of backcountry experiences varying in length and difficulty.
Coniferous forests, alpine tundra, sparkling
mountain streams and waterfalls, as well as fascinating geothermal activity provide
spectacular views along the trails. Wilderness permits (maximum of 10 people per group)
are required for overnight camping and are available in advance by calling Park
Headquarters at (530) 595-4444. Fires are prohibited throughout the park so you can use a
portable campstove instead. Abundant wildlife flourishes in the forests including black
bears and the occasional mountain lion, so be sure to hang food and garbage out of
animals’ reach. "Please leave no trace behind" is the park’s motto to
protect the wildlife and natural landscape. A complete listing of the rules and
regulations is available at all issuing stations.
Hiking, Backpacking Trails...
Brokeoff Mountain - Start at the turnout .25 miles south of SW
entrance, the round trip distance is about 7.4 miles and takes approximately 5 hours. It
is a steady uphill climb of 2,600 feet with views, wildflowers, and streams along the way.
Mill Creek Falls - Start at the southwest campground and the trail is
about 4.6 miles for the round trip and takes approximately 2.5 hours. The terrain is about
a 300 foot uphill or downhill walk through wildflowers and forests to the highest
waterfall in the park.
Lily Pond Nature Trail - Begins at the Loomis Museum Parking Area and
the round trip takes about 1 hour with an easy walk of 1 mile round trip through forests
and around beautiful mountain lakes.
Bumpass Hell Trail - Start at the parking area 6 miles from SW
entrance or 23 miles from the north entrance for a gradual climb of about 500 feet for the
first mile, then descend into the largest thermal area in the park. Hot springs, steam
vents, and mudpots are featured on this 3 mile round trip hike that takes approximately 3
hours.
Lassen Peak Trail - The trailhead begins at the parking area 7 miles
from the SW entrance or 22 miles from the north entrance. The 2,000 foot climb with an
uphill grade of about 15% begins at 8,500 feet and takes about 4.5 hours for the round
trip of approximately 5 miles. Views of recent volcanic activity, craters, and panoramic
vistas greet you at the top.
Terrace, Shadow & Cliff Lakes - The 3 miles total round trip for
visiting these mountain lakes takes about 3 hours and begins at the turnout 9 miles from
the SW entrance or 21 miles from the north entrance. The trail leads downhill 300 feet to
Terrace Lake, 350 feet to Shadow Lake, and 650 feet to Cliff Lake through wildflowers and
forests. Remember, its uphill on the return trip.
King Creek Falls - This hike is "specially designed" for
photographers! Cascading waterfalls, abundant wildflowers, and natures beauty abound on
this trail that begins at the turnout 12 miles from the SW entrance or 17 miles from the
north entrance. A 700 foot descent on a 3 mile round trip trail takes about 2.5 hours.
Summit Lake to Echo & Twin Lakes - Start at the east side of
Summit Lake using the trail that encircles the lake. Echo Lake is 4 miles, Upper Twin Lake
is 7 miles, and Lower Twin Lake is 8 miles round trip taking about 6 hours total time for
the round trip. This is a great spot for overnighters and summer swimming!
Manzanita Lake - Its about a 1.6 mile hike around the lakeshore that
takes about 1.5 hours traveling over level ground. Wildlife, flowers, trees, and shrubs
line this scenic hike.
Cinder Cone - Begin at the west end of Butte Lake Campground for this
fairly steep 800 foot climb through loose cinders. Be sure to wear sturdy boots on your 4
mile round trip hike to the cone summit and back. Allow 3 hours for the climb with an
extra hour to explore the trail down the south slope. Geologists and photographers will
enjoy this scenic trail.
Boiling springs Lake - This easy 200 foot hike takes about 2 hours for
the round trip, traveling 3 miles past mudpots, wildflowers, and forests to the lake and
back. Your hike begins at the parking area west of Warner Valley Campground.
Mt. Harkness - A historic fire lookout is the destination on this
scenic 4 mile round trip hike with an enjoyable 1,300 foot climb that takes on the average
of 4 hours. The trailhead begins at the southeast end of Juniper Lake Campground.
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