The mountain Chickadee and Clark’s nutcracker are commonly seen along the trail. The gnarled mountain hemlocks and white-bark pines at timberline, clinging tenaciously to the windswept slopes, are truly picturesque. Views of distant peaks and lakes are magnificent. On the very top, the skunkleaf polemonium blooms profusely in the short, snow-free season.
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
[8]. TERRACE, SHADOW, AND CLIFF LAKES
| Starting Point: | Guide Marker 27 |
| Distances: | Terrace Lake, 0.5 mile; Shadow Lake, 0.8 mile; Cliff Lake, 1.5 miles. Round trip 3 miles |
| Topography: | Downhill, 300 feet to Terrace Lake, 350 to Shadow Lake, and 650 to Cliff Lake, uphill on return |
| Time: | Terrace Lake, 1 hour; Shadow Lake, 1½ hours, Cliff Lake, 3 hours, all round trip times |
| Features: | Forests, lakes, flowers |
These three jewels lie in cirques under the north base of Reading Peak, and are not difficult to reach. For the photographer they present plenty of contrasting colors, for the naturalist a variety of trees, flowers, birds, and animal life.