Summary:
Reflections of snow-flecked peaks on a relaxing walk around two beautiful lakes.

An easy, level trail loops each lake, and they are easily connected with a short section of the road. The Chaos Jumbles and Chaos Crags form a backdrop to the lakes – take your time to enjoy the sight of snow-covered peaks and pine trees reflected in the still water. This tranquil walk is best in the early morning or evening when there are fewer people around.

Miles of trails give further options if you wish to explore the variety of scenery in the National Park. Other trails along Lassen Park Road include:

* Summit Lake Loop. A full day, 9 mile/15 km trail that loops through forest and past many of the lakes in the central area of the Park. Heading east from Summit Lake, the trail climbs 500 ft in the first mile to a junction that signals the start of the loop. Keep right and descend a total of 500 ft to reach firstly Echo Lake, and then Upper Twin and Lower Twin Lakes. Keep left at the trail junctions to loop back via the Cluster Lakes. Trailhead: east side of Summit Lake, accessed by a trail from the North or South campgrounds, which are almost midway between the NW and SW entrances.

* Terrace-Shadow-Cliff Lakes Trail. Descends 350 ft to Terrace Lake and Shadow Lake (ignore the side trail on the left early on). A further descent of 300 ft, and a spur trail to the right, leads to Cliff Lake. Total distance of this out and back trail is 3 miles/5 km. Trailhead: turnout 21 miles from NW entrance, 8 miles from SW entrance.

* Lassen Peak. A steep climb to the volcano’s 10,457-ft summit, where you can view lava flows from the 1915 eruption and a panorama stretching to Mount Shasta on a clear day. 5 miles out and back, total ascent of 1,994 ft/608 m. Trailhead: parking area 22 miles from NW entrance, 7 miles from SW entrance.

* Mill Creek Falls. 4.5 mile/7 km out and back trail leads through forest to the highest waterfall in the National Park. Undulating nature of trail means total climbing there and back of about 600 ft/180 m. Trailhead: Southwest campground, close to SW entrance station.

* Brokeoff Mountain. First part of the trail follows a stream as it climbs steadily 2,600 ft/790 m to the 9,235-ft summit. Out and back hike totals 7.5 miles/12 km. Trailhead: turnout 0.25 mile south of SW entrance.

Directions: Hwy 89 (Lassen Park Road) runs through the western half of the National Park, from the north-west (NW) to the south-west (SW) entrances. From I-5, take Hwy 44 east to connect with the 89 and the NW entrance. The SW entrance is reached via I-5 and Hwy 36 east.

Trailhead: Just beyond the NW entrance.

Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: Negligible

Duration: 1 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow.

Features: Alpine scenery.

Climate: Hiking usually only possible June to October, as heavy snow in winter closes the Lassen Park Road. Some trails accessible in winter with snowshoes.

Accommodation: Five campgrounds along Lassen Park Road, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outside SW entrance – motels and cabins at Mineral and Mill Creek, 9 miles west and 9 miles east respectively on Hwy 36. Outside NW entrance – B&B and cabins at Shingletown, 19 miles west on Hwy 44, and north on Hwy 89 at Old Station and Hat Creek.

Trail Notes: Be aware of altitude and possible snow on trails. Hiking maps available at both ends of Lassen Park Road – Loomis Museum visitor center at Manzanita Lake and the Southwest Information Station.