No attempt is made to give a complete description of any trail, but
instead to give sufficient information to enable a prospective user to
know if he is likely to find a particular one interesting. Before the
description of each trail, the following items are given: Starting
point, distance, topography, time, and features. Many starting points
are at guide marker numbers which are referred to in the _Road Guide to
Lassen Volcanic National Park_. “Topography” refers to the vertical rise
or fall. For example a “descent of 500 feet” means a drop in elevation
of 500 feet. As “Time” varies considerably among different persons; an
attempt is made to indicate the time needed for a leisurely hike. A
young person in good condition will require less time than indicated,
while a bird watcher, photographer, or naturalist might take much
longer.
It is hoped that with these items indicated, as well as a description of
the more interesting features of each trail, you will be able to decide
which trails will offer the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment.
Opening of the trails in the park varies from year to year according to
the amount of snow during the previous winter. During July, August and
September most of the trails are open.
The following tables of opening dates are for years of average snowfall,
and the actual dates will vary from two weeks earlier to two weeks later
than indicated. Trails at lower elevations and on open slopes facing
south will be available as much as a month earlier than higher trails on
north slopes, or trails through heavy forest. Trail crews attempt to
open some trails early, especially the Lassen Peak and Bumpass Hell
trails. Even though snow has melted, down trees may prevent easy hiking
until trail crews can find time to work the trails.
MAY 15
Lily Pond
Manzanita Lake
Sulphur Works
JUNE 1
Bathtub Lake
Butte Lake
Cinder Cone
JUNE 15
Boiling Springs Lake
Chaos Crags and Crags Lake
Cluster Lakes
Devil’s Kitchen Lake
Mill Creek Falls
Paradise Meadow
Summit Lake to Echo and Twin Lakes
Summit Lake to Horseshoe Lake via Upper Twin Lake
Summit Lake to Horseshoe Lake via Grassy Swale Creek
Widow Lake
JULY 1
Bumpass Hell
Butte Lake to Snag Lake
Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes
Crystal Lake
Forest Lake
Horseshoe Lake to Snag Lake
Inspiration Point
Juniper Lake to Snag Lake
Kings Creek Falls
Lassen Peak
Manzanita Creek
Mount Harkness
Park Road to Summit Lake
Park Road to Hat Lake
Prospect Peak
Ridge Lakes
Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes
JULY 15
Brokeoff Mountain
[Illustration: MAP SYMBOLS]
TRAILS
ROADS
PARKING AREAS
BUILDINGS
CAMPGROUNDS
STREAMS
WATERFALLS
MOUNTAINS
LAKES
THERMAL ACTIVITY
NORTH DIRECTION