This is a delightful, easy walk through open ponderosa pine and fir forest to two small lakes. The first lake is a quarter mile and the second (Bathtub) a half mile from the camp. For good (not icy) swimming these lakes are recommended. And for a leisurely nature walk one can easily spend two hours looking for birds and flowers and identifying trees and shrubs.
[25]. BUTTE LAKE (North and East Shores)
| Starting Point: | Butte Lake Parking Lot |
| Distances: | 2 miles to the south end of the lake |
| Topography: | Uphill 150 feet and down along the north shore, then quite level |
| Time: | 3 hours for the round trip |
| Features: | Forest, scenic views, flowers, lake |
For sheer beauty and a feeling of wilderness, this is an excellent trail. Good views of the lake and the Cinder Cone are frequent. Deer and a variety of birds, trees, and flowers may be observed.
In the first mile the trail ascends a hill overlooking the lake. After crossing Butte Creek it follows close to the shore to the south end.
From the south end of the lake the trail continues 2.5 miles to Snag Lake and another 3 miles to either Juniper or Horseshoe lakes. (See Trail [No. 27], Butte Lake to Snag Lake; [No. 28], Horseshoe Lake to Snag Lake; and [No. 29], Juniper Lake to Snag Lake.)
[26]. WIDOW LAKE
| Starting Point: | Butte Lake Parking Lot |
| Distances: | 4 miles, one way |
| Topography: | Climb of 1,000 feet |
| Time: | 5½ hours for the round trip |
| Features: | Lake, forest, scenic views |