Starting Point: Juniper Lake near campground at the southeast end
Distances: 2 miles to the summit of Mount Harkness
Topography: 1,300-foot climb
Time: 4 hours for the round trip
Features: Forest, scenic views
[Illustration: 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.
[Illustration: Trail map]