LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK

[High-resolution Map]

[14]. SUMMIT LAKE TO HORSESHOE LAKE VIA UPPER TWIN LAKE

Starting Point: East side of Summit Lake
Distances: 8 miles, one way
Topography: Two ridges to cross, 500 feet and 300 feet
Time: 6 hours one way. For round trip, it will take approximately twice the time
Features: Lakes, forest, flowers, wildlife

This is one of the two main trails to the east part of the park. Horseshoe Lake can also be reached by a dirt road from Chester. 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.)