Stephen Halsey Matteson

“ It is recommended that the left trail be followed downhill, where it rejoins the other section. The right fork follows the cascades, and is much easier to climb on the return trip. The trail goes down through pine and fir forests, and over a meadow where flowers bloom all summer. Here one can find the leopard lily, grass-of-parnassus, and many others. Watch for glacial polishing on the rocks along the way.
Morning is the best time to photograph the falls, as later in the day (after 2:00 p.m.) they are in shadow. The height of the falls is about 30 feet. ”

“ In the early summer there is a small lake in the crater of Prospect Peak, an ancient volcano.
About a half mile from Butte Lake the trail leaves the Cinder Cone trail, and climbs steadily through ponderosa pine, fir, and sub-alpine forests to above timberline. Birds and other wildlife abound, and occasionally, bobcats or even a mountain lion may be seen.
During June and early July there is snow in the crater. No drinking water is available.
43 24. BATHTUB LAKE
This is a delightful, easy walk through open ponderosa pine and fir forest to two small lakes. ”

“ KEEP YOUR BEARINGS. In Lassen Volcanic there are plenty of landmarks, so this should not be difficult. A good map will help, and topographic maps of Lassen are available. If you are going to return via the same trail and have any doubts about remaining on it, use the Indian method of looking back frequently.
4. BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE. A campfire should be soaked and the ashes thoroughly mixed with water until every ember is out. To build a campfire anywhere except at a regular campground you must secure a special permit from a Park Ranger. Do not smoke while hiking on the trails. ”

“ 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. ”

“ 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, 8 down trees may prevent easy hiking until trail crews can find time to work the trails. ”

“ The meadow by Crumbaugh Lake has a variety of wildflowers and Conard Meadows is ideal for wildlife. There are no fish in either lake, as they will not live when introduced.
The trail is fairly level to Cold Boiling Lake, and then descends to Crumbaugh Lake. It is level to Conard Meadows, and from there to Mill Creek Falls descends by a steep grade (see Mill Creek Falls trail) . A one-way trip to the Sulphur Works campground, arranging for transportation at the lower end, makes an ideal, easy, half-day hike.
26 12. KINGS CREEK FALLS
About half a mile down, the trail splits. ”

“ Inspiration Point is well named, as it affords some of the finest views of Lassen, Harkness, Prospect, and more distant mountains. Snag, Butte, and Juniper lakes are in full view, as well as Cameron Meadows and Cinder Cone. To the southeast of the trail, as you approach Inspiration Point, look for the fine specimens of western juniper. The trail climbs steadily through western white pine and red fir timber to the open area of the point. Various birds may be seen as well as deer and small mammals.
51 31. CRYSTAL LAKE
This lake lies in a cirque below the Crystal Cliffs. ”

“ The area extends above and beyond the mudpots with a number of steam vents on the side of the hill. And at the lower end are a group of trees which were killed quite recently when new vents opened up. In exploring the hot springs area, hikers should be extremely careful as crusts may be thin and trails thru the area have not been established.
The trail to Devil’s Kitchen crosses a meadow near Drakesbad (where one should look for wildflowers) and enters the forest. Just beyond the meadow are some dead snags where marmots are frequently seen. ”

“ SUMMIT LAKE TO ECHO AND TWIN LAKES
This is a good nature trail, as many kinds of wildflowers, trees, and birds are found. Deer are common in the area. Swimming is good in late summer. This is also a favorite trail for overnight hikers as it leads to the wilderness area of the eastern part of the park.
Hardy hikers may wish to go beyond Twin Lakes. The trail continues past Rainbow Lake to Snag Lake, 3.5 miles, and another trail goes to Butte Lake, 5.5 miles.
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LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
High-resolution Map
30 14. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Experienced hikers may want to visit places not on the trails, and with a topographic map as a guide should be able to go to a number of places in comparative safety. But beginners should stick to the established trails. Before venturing off the trails one should consult with a park ranger. ”

“ Experienced hikers will find it a comparatively easy hike. But many who climb it are not experienced and may suffer mildly from being winded and from tired muscles and feet. Many people do not allow enough time for the trip. By starting slowly and resting often, most people 21 should be able to reach the summit and experience the thrill of being on “top of the world”.
The mountain Chickadee and Clark’s nutcracker are commonly seen along the trail. ”

“ The trail crosses a meadow and then goes through forest to the lake and around it. Trees include incense-cedar, ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, white fir, sugar pine, and others. A variety of wildflowers are found, and it is a good area to observe birds. ”

“ On the north side is the road, with willow and alder thickets by the shore, and on the east side is the lodge and campground. From the west side are excellent views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. A good variety of birds may be observed, including ducks, geese, coots, grebes, warblers, finches, swallows, blackbirds, sapsuckers, and nighthawks. Deer are frequently seen in the manzanita. An easy, pleasant walk.
39 21. MANZANITA CREEK
This hike starts on a fire road that provides steady, but relatively easy climbing. ”

“ Take water (snow won’t really quench your thirst) and a sweater or jacket along. If you walk through the craters on top of the peak, use extreme caution. DO NOT SHORTCUT.
In the event a summer thunder storm develops, it is best to turn back. Lightning strikes outstanding projections, and the top of Lassen Peak is a favorite target. Never remain on any mountaintop during a thunder storm.
Leaflets explaining the past geologic history as well as present natural history of the peak are available to make your hike more enjoyable.
Pilot Pinnacle ”

“ If transportation can be arranged this trail will make a comparatively easy day’s hike. There is a campground at Horseshoe Lake, so it can make a good objective for an overnight hike. Hardy hikers can make the round trip in one day.
The first part of the trip is most of No. 13, and from Upper Twin Lake the trail goes south and passes close to the base of Crater Butte. Part of the trip is in open meadows and part through fir-pine forest.
An interesting variation for a round trip is to return via Grassy Swale Creek. (See No. 15, Summit Lake to Horseshoe Lake via Grassy Swale Creek.)
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32 15. ”

“ KEEP THE TRAILS FREE FROM LITTER. The beauty of clean, wild places is so fragile even a bit of paper dropped can mar it.
10. WEAR PROPER CLOTHING—hiking boots for extensive or rugged hikes, and light but warm clothing. A light jacket is recommended, as hot summer days often cool quickly. ”