This hike starts on a fire road that provides steady, but relatively easy climbing. The first 0.7 mile is through manzanita, and birds and smaller mammals can be observed. When the forest of red fir and lodgepole pine is reached the trail becomes much more appealing, and striking views of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak are glimpsed through the trees.
On the last half mile, where the creek winds and tumbles through sloping meadows, the wildflower display is magnificent. Flowers bloom profusely through July and August. Walk through the upper meadows to see the Lassen paintbrush (found only in this park), the pink Lewis monkeyflower, the brilliant fireweed, both the blue and the white monkshood, and many others. Camera, binoculars, and lunch are all advisable for this trip.
[22]. CINDER CONE
| Starting Point: | West end of Butte Lake Campground |
| Distances: | 2 miles to the summit, one way. A trail continues down the south side for a round trip of 5 miles. |
| Topography: | 800 feet climbing cone |
| Time: | 3 hours to the cone summit and back, 4 hours if trail down south slope is followed back to Butte Lake Campground |
| Features: | Forest, recent volcanic activity, history, views |
This is one of the most perfectly formed cinder cones in the United States, and one of the most recent. In the spring of 1851, pioneers following Emigrant, or Nobles, Trail saw the results of the previous winter’s eruption.
For persons interested in geology or photography this trail is a must. It goes through open forest for about 1.5 miles, close to the base of the cone, and the rest of the trail is in the open. The trail up the cone is fairly steep, and is in loose Cinders, making climbing similar to what it would be in loose sand. The climb is not difficult if made with frequent rest stops. High shoes or boots are advisable.
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. Another trail continues down the south side of the cone and encircles it, adding another mile for a 5 mile round trip. It passes near the 1851 vent from which lava flowed. This is now a small ice grotto.
Self-guiding leaflets which describe 44 numbered points of interest may be purchased at the Ranger Station.