One of the other big adventures we did this year while camping at Lassen Volcanic National Park was to hike from Summit Lake all the way to Butte Lake in the northeastern corner of the park. Bob and Hannah did the full hike, while Lisa and Caleb drove around to shuttle them back and to hike part way up to meet them on the four mile trail to the top of Cinder Cone. In total, the trip for Bob and Hannah was 13.4 miles long.
Hannah at the beginning of our hike. Although the sign says it's only 9.6 miles to Butte Lake, we actually went 13.4 miles because we took a detour to Snag Lake as well. For a topo map and stats of the route we took, click here.
Hannah on top of the rock we took a picture of our family and kids back in 2011.
Hannah at Echo Lake.
Upper Twin Lake
The trail we hiked on was great, without any really steep sections. In total, we saw only a half-dozen people until we got closer to Snag and Butte Lakes, and even then the trail was not crowded at all.
Hannah at a trail junction near Lower Twin Lake where we actually got to hike half of a mile on the Pacific Crest Trail.
Bob having a GREAT day with his daughter.
July wildflowers were everywhere.
This was one of the few sections we walked through that was part of the 2012 Reading fire.
Hannah picking flowers with her shadow.
Coming up on Rainbow Lake.
Looking across Rainbow Lake to Lassen Peak (10,457 feet).
Hannah looking back as we approach Snag Lake.
After leaving Snag Lake the hike became hot and dry as we walked alongside the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes. We were both glad to get to this trail junction because we were about to hike back into the trees and get some shade. At this point were only about 2.5 miles from Butte Lake and the end of the trail.
About 15 minutes after taking the last picture we met up with Lisa and Caleb where another trail leads to the summit of Cinder Cone. It was really great to see them, but Hannah and I weren't that interested in hiking up another 800 feet of hot lava sand to the summit of Cinder Cone, so we handed them the camera and they continued on. Lisa took this picture of Caleb on the top of Cinder Cone (6,907 feet).
Caleb in the distance hiking in the Cinder Cone crater.
Caleb on top of Cinder Cone with the Fantastic Lava Beds and Butte Lake behind him.
All-in-all this was a wonderful hike and one we highly recommend. Lassen is a wonderful, uncrowded park. We look forward to many more hikes in this magical place.