Starting Point: West end of Butte Lake Campground
Distances: 2 miles to the summit, one way. A trail continues
down the south side for a round trip of 5 miles.
Topography: 800 feet climbing cone
Time: 3 hours to the cone summit and back, 4 hours if
trail down south slope is followed back to Butte
Lake Campground
Features: Forest, recent volcanic activity, history, views
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: Mountain Hemlock Cones]