Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: On a clear day the short and easy 2 mile loop hike around sparkling Manzanita Lake is the perfect introduction to Lassen Volcanic National Park, showcasing as it does some the best features of the park - including the glacier strewn Lassen Peak and the young Chaos Crags massif. In fact it was an enormous rockfall collapse of Chaos Crags which cut off a local creek and created this lake - be sure to check out our Chaos Crags guide for a tour of the rockfall known as Chaos Jumbles.

This spot is favored not only by hikers and photographers but also fishing enthusiasts in search of rainbow, brown and brook trout. Thankfully the lake is limited to non-motorized boats, keeping the lakeside relatively quiet. Kayaks can be rented near the boat launch area - check the nearby campground store for details.

Situated by the northern entrance of the park, the lake is conveniently located by the historic visitor center and the large Manzanita Creek campground. Noise from the park road does infiltrate the peace of the lake somewhat, but its the price you pay for the convenience (see our Cluster Lakes guide if you prefer a quieter lake experience).

Elevation gain:
• 300ft (from 5,800 to 6,000ft)

Tips: • Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year and some roads and trails may not be open - even in summer. Check the links to find updated information on road closures, trail closures and campground status.
• Bug repellent is a necessity early in the summer season when mosquitoes can be abundant.

Points of Interest

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Trailhead & Visitor Center

The hike begins by the visitor center just inside the northern park boundary. Head south of the parking, museum and restroom to reach the trailhead which begins as a narrow paved trail.

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Junction

Turn right at the sign, and head off on a counter-clockwise route towards the lake edge. The circuit of Manzanita Lake offers plenty of shade thanks to the Jeffrey pines which tower above you.

Be sure to check out the little coves facing out onto the lake to capture the best views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags.

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Stream

The trail bridge carries you across the rushing waters of Manzanita creek as it exits the lake heading downstream.

Here you'll find a bench fashioned out of a fallen tree, which is a great place to admire the views and watch the dragonflies dart across the surface of the water.

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Five Steps

These five steps elevating you to the top of a small levee are the only steps you'll find on the Manzanita Lake loop trail.

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Jeffrey Pine Grove

Young evergreens line the trail running parallel to the water's edge, providing plenty of shade and often blocking out the light entirely.

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Campground Entrance

Continue on your counterclockwise route of the lake.

The inland trail at this junction leads to the large Manzanita Lake Campground, which is a popular federal campsite and a great base for a Lassen Visit.

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Boat Launch (Alt Trailhead)

All boats are launched into the lake from this location. Kayaks can be rented at this location, and if the attendant is not present, check at the campground store directly east of here.

Continuing northward into the woodland past several picnic tables the trail seems to vanish on occasion. Walk parallel with the parking lot and soon you'll pick up the main trail again.

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Manzanita Creek Bridge

Crossing the bridge over the lake inlet, your short hike is quickly coming to a close. The trail leads back to the trailhead junction and then returns to the visitor center.