Mountain Hemlock Cones
THE TRAILS
No attempt is made to give a complete description of any trail, but instead to give sufficient information to enable a prospective user to know if he is likely to find a particular one interesting. Before the description of each trail, the following items are given: Starting point, distance, topography, time, and features. Many starting points are at guide marker numbers which are referred to in the Road Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park. “Topography” refers to the vertical rise or fall. For example a “descent of 500 feet” means a drop in elevation of 500 feet. As “Time” varies considerably among different persons; an attempt is made to indicate the time needed for a leisurely hike. A young person in good condition will require less time than indicated, while a bird watcher, photographer, or naturalist might take much longer.
It is hoped that with these items indicated, as well as a description of the more interesting features of each trail, you will be able to decide which trails will offer the greatest satisfaction and enjoyment.
Opening of the trails in the park varies from year to year according to the amount of snow during the previous winter. During July, August and September most of the trails are open.
The following tables of opening dates are for years of average snowfall, and the actual dates will vary from two weeks earlier to two weeks later than indicated. Trails at lower elevations and on open slopes facing south will be available as much as a month earlier than higher trails on north slopes, or trails through heavy forest. Trail crews attempt to open some trails early, especially the Lassen Peak and Bumpass Hell trails. Even though snow has melted, down trees may prevent easy hiking until trail crews can find time to work the trails.
MAY 15 Lily Pond Manzanita Lake Sulphur Works JUNE 1 Bathtub Lake Butte Lake Cinder Cone JUNE 15 Boiling Springs Lake Chaos Crags and Crags Lake Cluster Lakes Devil’s Kitchen Lake Mill Creek Falls Paradise Meadow Summit Lake to Echo and Twin Lakes Summit Lake to Horseshoe Lake via Upper Twin Lake Summit Lake to Horseshoe Lake via Grassy Swale Creek Widow Lake JULY 1 Bumpass Hell Butte Lake to Snag Lake Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes Crystal Lake Forest Lake Horseshoe Lake to Snag Lake Inspiration Point Juniper Lake to Snag Lake Kings Creek Falls Lassen Peak Manzanita Creek Mount Harkness Park Road to Summit Lake Park Road to Hat Lake Prospect Peak Ridge Lakes Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes JULY 15 Brokeoff Mountain
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