Overview

Hype:

This easy trail winds gently around Manzanita Lake and is an ideal choice for families or others unable to hike on difficult terrain. Well shaded by looming Jeffrey pines and bordered by lush willows, this trail offers a welcomed respite from the heat of the day. As the trail wanders along the shoreline numerous openings offer hikers an opportunity to spot ducks, geese and the occasional muskrat and beaver. The surrounding forest also offers birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts opportunities to catch glimpses of woodpeckers and deer. The trail is perhaps best known for its spectacular views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags which are best viewed in the morning. The trail circles the lake and may be picked up at any point including a spur trail from Loomis Museum and the Manzanita Lake picnic area.

Trail Condition: Class 1 (Trail is either paved or gravel. Navigation skills are not needed because there is only one trail or because there are signs. Elevation gains are gradual or there are stairs.)

Time: 1 hour

Length: 1.8 mile loop

Elevation Gain: Negligible

Fees: Entrance Fee

Recommended Ages:

0-3
4-11
12-19
20-49
50-69
70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Features:
  • No Drinking Water
  • Lakes and Reservoirs
  • Rivers and Streams
  • Mountains
  • Marked Trails
  • Road Access is Paved
  • Access Road is 2WD Accessible
  • Viewpoint, Overlooks, Vistas
  • Hiking Trails
  • Wildflowers and Vegitation
  • Wildlife and Birding

Links: www.nps.gov

Getting There

Navigate to 40.535702, -121.562761.

Maps

Closest City or Region: Lassen Volcanic National Park

Coordinates: 40.535702, -121.562761

Interactive Guide Map

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July 28, 2018 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye,

Story

After visiting the Loomis Museum, we hiked around Manzanita Lake. The hike was quite easy and pleasant, but the kids still had a hard time keeping up. For the first third of the hike, we kept their minds distracted by searching for the coolest pinecones. When they got tired of that, we challenged them to spot as many animals or evidence of animals as they could. That was a lot of fun. We saw canada geese, deer, fish, ducks, squirrels, and a whole lot more. It was a great little hike.

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