Manzanita Lake, Lassen National Park CA

• 4-star hike
• 2 mile loop
• Easy | Gain 50 ft | Peak 6,000 ft
• Mineral, CA | Lassen Region
.
The image shows a serene lake surrounded by tall pine trees with a mountain range in the background. The clear blue sky and the reflection of the trees and mountains in the calm water add to the tranquility of the scene. The mountain in the center has patches of snow, indicating a higher elevation.

The image shows a serene lake surrounded by tall pine trees with a mountain range in the background. The clear blue sky and the reflection of the trees and mountains in the calm water add to the tranquility of the scene. The mountain in the center has patches of snow, indicating a higher elevation.

On a clear day the short and easy 2 mile loop hike around sparkling Manzanita Lake is the perfect introduction to Lassen Volcanic National Park, showcasing as it does some the best features of the park - including the glacier strewn Lassen Peak and the young Chaos Crags massif. In fact it was an enormous rockfall collapse of Chaos Crags which cut off a local creek and created this lake - be sure to check out our Chaos Craggs article linked below for a tour of the rockfall known as Chaos Jumbles.

This spot is favored not only by hikers and photographers but also fishing enthusiasts in search of rainbow, brown and brook trout. Thankfully the lake is limited to non-motorized boats, keeping the lakeside relatively quiet. Kayaks can be rented near the boat launch area - check the nearby campground store for details.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Manzanita Lake Loop 1.9 mi loop, easy, gain 50 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Situated by the northern entrance of the park, the lake is conveniently located by the historic visitor center and the large Manzanita Creek campground. Noise from the park road does infiltrate the peace of the lake somewhat, but its a price you pay for the convenience. If you prefer a quieter lake experience, check out our Cluster Lakes article.

Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year and some roads and trails may not be open - even in summer. Check the links below to find updated information on road closures, trail closures and campground status.

The image shows a serene lake surrounded by dense forest with a mountain in the background. The lake has clear, calm water, and there is a person in a small boat on the lake, possibly fishing. The mountain in the background has patches of snow on its peak, indicating a higher elevation. The scene is peaceful and picturesque, capturing the beauty of nature.

The image shows a serene lake surrounded by dense forest with a mountain in the background. The lake has clear, calm water, and there is a person in a small boat on the lake, possibly fishing. The mountain in the background has patches of snow on its peak, indicating a higher elevation. The scene is peaceful and picturesque, capturing the beauty of nature.

The image shows a serene lake surrounded by trees with two kayaks on the shore. There is a sign that reads: 'BOATERS LIFE PRESERVER REQUIRED FOR EACH PERSON ABOARD BOATS AND RAFTS MOTORIZED BOATS NOT ALLOWED ON THE LAKE'

Tangents:
• Official: Lassen Volcanic NP
• AllTrails Public: Manzanita Lake
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
5★ Lassen Peak (4 mi) · 5★ Subway Cave Lava Tube (½ mi) · 5★ McArthur Burney Falls (1 mi) · Show Map

Lassen Volcanic National Park
The park's Best Hikes include every type of volcano!

Lake Tahoe's Best Trails
All-year-round fun at this Northern California landmark. Trailspotting has Lake Tahoe hikes for everyone.