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Backpacker Magazine – November 2010
Best Hikes Ever: Summit Lake Trail, CA
Backpack a knee-trembling route through an active geothermal zone.
Mt. Lassen from Summit Lake (Hank Christensen)
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Tags:
- California |
- Lassen Volcanic National Park |
- Summit Lake Trail |
- Destinations |
While California’s other parks soak up most of the glory, Lassen Volcanic National Park quietly offers world-class backcountry with none of the crowds or permit competition. We’ve covered Lassen a few times, but only for dayhikes and its section of the Pacfic Crest Trail. Shameful. This overnight is so spectacular, you might even feel the earth move: The 10,457-foot volcano hasn’t spewed since 1921, but it occasionally rumbles.
This 17.7-mile lollipop route starts on the Summit Lake Trail, heading 7.3 miles to a spur leading to a campsite on Horseshoe Lake (free permit required). Then, continue counterclockwise to Snag, Rainbow, and Upper and Lower Twin Lakes.
Maps USGS quads West Prospect Peak, Reading Peak, Mount Harkness, and Prospect Peak
Contact (530) 595-4444; nps.gov/lavo
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READERS COMMENTS
The main park road wasn't fully open until July 15th in 2012. Not the latest opening, but sure close to it!
Word of warning: Expect snow on the ground until August some years. This past year, the road through the park wasn't even fully cleared until July 4th!
Oh no... one of my favorite secret backpack loops, exposed! Great hike... once you get past the first lake, the dayhikers disappear, and you have some great solitude.
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