Cinder Cone and the Fantastic Lava Beds
Lassen County, California
| Address: | Butte Lake, Lassen County, CA, United States |
| GPS: |
40°33'53.7"N 121°18'6.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
Trails National Park
Hike
One of the four types of volcanos found in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Cinder Cone stands at 6,907 ft elevation and 750 ft above the surrounding landscape. Cinder Cone was formed in the 1600's, though lava flows at its base caused the then active volcano to die down. Today, Cinder Cone is not active, and is a hike that allows visitors to experience a cinder cone first hand. Along the way, hikers will see the Painted Dunes and the Fantastic Lava Beds.
The trail begins from the Butte Lake parking lot and is about four miles round trip, taking approximately 3 hours to hike it all. Similar to hiking in sand, the trail is very loose terrain and can be very taxing regardless of how short of a hike it seems. When hikers reach the top they will have the option to take in the view from the summit or continue down into the crater of the cinder cone.
From the top hikers will see the Painted Dunes, which were formed after the erruption of the cinder cone, and as the lava cooled off, left behind orange hills at the base of the cinder cone. The Fantastic Lava Beds are also visibile and create stark contrast from the forested landscape. The lava beds actually helped to form the two lakes in the area, damming the lakes when the lava beds were first created.
More Information
Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
This Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/lassen-volcanic-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinHike Into a Cinder Cone Crater in Lassen National Park
This 2 brutal up miles will be heck of an adventure. This must be one of the most difficult 2 miles ascends; walking on volcanic ashes is no joke. the basic about cinder cone trail Where: Lassen Vo…
https://onecoolthingeveryweekend.com/2012/11/27/hike-into-a-cinder-cone-volcano-in-lassen-national-park/Hiking Cinder Cone - Lassen Volcanic National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
This challenging trail allows visitors to experience the wonder of Cinder Cone Volcano first hand. A leaflet for the Cinder Cone Nature Trail is available at the park visitor centers and the trailhead. Numbered posts on the trail correspond to stops in this leaflet that explain various features along the trail.
https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/hiking_cinder_cone2.htmBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Lassen County, California
- Head north on Peppermint Dr toward Merrillville Rd (0.2 mi)
- Turn right onto Merrillville Rd (3.9 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-139 S (15.1 mi)
- Turn right onto Main St (1.0 mi)
- Continue onto CA-36 W/Hillcrest RdContinue to follow CA-36 W(5.1 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-44 W (34.9 mi)
- Turn left onto Forest Rte 32N21Parts of this road may be closed at certain times or daysDestination will be on the left(6.6 mi)
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