Lassen Volcanic National Park guide · 1 min read
Butte Lake, Cinder Cone and the Nobles Emigrant Trail
Butte Lake sits in the far northeast corner of the park, a landscape that differs sharply from the western side.
The area was once a National Monument in its own right. From the Northwest Entrance and Manzanita Lake area, the drive takes roughly 45 minutes, with the last six miles on Butte Lake Road, which branches south from Highway 44.
Cinder Cone is the youngest volcano in the park, taking shape in the 1660s. The out-and-back route from the Butte Lake parking area covers about four miles round trip and climbs roughly 846 feet, so expect a workout. Sand underfoot makes the early stretch gentle, and at about 1.2 miles a fork at the cone's base signals the steep final push to the rim. From the top, you look out over Butte Lake, Snag Lake, Lassen Peak and the Fantastic Lava Beds.
Near that fork, look left to spot the Painted Dunes, where the ash takes on striking colors. The trail runs beside the Fantastic Lava Beds, the lava flow that came out of Cinder Cone. Pick up the Cinder Cone Nature Trail leaflet at a visitor center or the trailhead, then match its stops to the numbered posts along the route to learn more about what you pass.
Butte Lake Campground is in the same corner of the park, and old growth Jeffrey pines stand among its sites. Amenities are limited, but the campground puts you close to plenty to do. Down at the lake, visitors can paddle or kayak, go fishing, or swim in the quiet bays, with lava rock lining much of the shore.
Many routes leave the Butte Lake trailhead and climb into the backcountry of the eastern half of the park. Warner Valley, another remote area, has hiking nearby as well.
