Starting where Trails No. [8] and [9] start, 0.2 mile from the road the left trail fork is followed, and the trail passes through forests and other natural features similar to No. 8 and 9. A number of good views of Lassen Peak can be seen along the way. For wildflowers it is one of the best in the park for variety, with lupine, scarlet gilia, red and blue penstemon, monkshood, columbine, and many others.
After separating from the Terrace Lake trail it goes through open forests, then descends rapidly before crossing the east fork of Hat Creek. Just past this crossing the Paradise Meadows trail turns to the right (south) while the Hat Creek trail turns to the left. The short trip to Paradise Meadows is well worth the time, for here you can find one of the outstanding wildflower displays of the park. The Hat Creek trail descends through the forests to the Devastated Area and Hat Lake, reaching the park road at guide marker 42. By arranging transportation at Hat Lake, the hike is an easy one, taking about 2½ hours. The round trip will require 6 or 7 hours.
[11]. COLD BOILING AND CRUMBAUGH LAKES, CONARD MEADOWS, MILL CREEK FALLS, AND SULPHUR WORKS CAMPGROUND
| Starting Point: | Kings Creek Campground |
| Distances: | Cold Boiling Lake, 0.8 mile; Crumbaugh Lake, 1.3; Conard Meadows, 2.2; Mill Creek Falls, 3; Sulphur Works Campground 5.3; all distances one way |
| Topography: | Downhill 800 feet to campground |
| Time: | Cold Boiling Lake, ¾ hour; Crumbaugh Lake 1½ hours; Conard Meadows, 2 hours; Sulphur Works Campground, 4 hours. For round trips times should be at least doubled |
| Features: | Forests, flowers, waterfalls, lakes, scenic views, streams |
This little-traveled area is excellent for birds, wildflowers, and deer. Cold Boiling Lake is so named because gas bubbles are continually rising at some points near the shore. 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.
[12]. KINGS CREEK FALLS
| Starting Point: | Guide Marker 32 |
| Distances: | 3 miles round trip |
| Topography: | Descent of 700 feet |
| Time: | 2½ hours |
| Features: | Waterfalls, cascades, forest, flowers |