Walk Manzanita Lake Trail

Manzanita Lake Loop affords spectacular views of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak.

Start: Loomis Plaza / Manzanita Lake Day Use Area
Round Trip Distance: 1.7 miles
Round Trip Time: 1 hour
Elevation: 5,890 ft
Elevation Change: Negligible
Surface: Firm dirt with tree roots and exposed rock in places
360-degree photos from the trail

Manzanita Lake Trail is one of a handful of walks in the park with scenic views of the iconic Lassen Peak. Begin the dirt trail around the lake from the Manzanita Lake Day Use Area or Loomis Plaza (between the restrooms and museum). Parking is easiest at the boat launch; Loomis Plaza parking is often full in the summer season. Restrooms are available at the boat launch and the Loomis Plaza. Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags are visible from a large section of the western shore, which is most easily accessed from the boat launch trailhead. Please note that bikes and pets are not permitted on park trails. Strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended as the trail is rocky and narrow in some sections.

Manzanita Lake is a popular habitat for songbirds, raptors, and waterbirds. Black-tailed deer, Douglas squirrels, and golden-mantled ground squirrels are also frequently spotted on the trail. Help keep wild animals wild by never feeding wildlife. The trail offers excellent sunset views. The picnic area provides a clear view across the lake to the west. From the western shore, hikers can enjoy alpenglow cast by the setting sun on Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags.

How to Hike This Trail Safely

Walking the Manzanita Lake Trail involves risk. Learn more about general hiking safety in this high-elevation and remote park. Special considerations for this trail include:

• Shade can be limited. We recommend all hikers wear or bring a hat and carry water.
• Wear proper footwear (good tread, ankle support, closed toe). Knee and ankle injuries are the most common visitor injury in the park.
• Hiking at high elevation can aggravate preexisting medical conditions. Know the effects of altitude. Carry plenty of water, take breaks often, and do not exceed your abilities.

Details

Duration

30-90 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Age(s)

If bringing infants or toddlers, consider using a backpack carrier. The trail has obstacles and narrow spots that are not stroller-friendly.

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not permitted on park trails, including in a carrier. This regulation does not apply to service animals assisting a person with a disability. A service animal, as described by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) performs a specific task for a disabled person. 

Activity Fee

No

There is no fee to walk Manzanita Lake Trail. An entrance fee or valid pass is required to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park. 

Location

Manzanita Lake

The Manzanita Lake Trail is located one mile from the park's Northwest Entrance off of State Highway 44. Parking is available at the Manzanita Lake Picnic Area/Boat Launch. From the park highway, take a right after the Loomis Plaza parking lot entrance onto the Manzanita Lake Campground Road. Continue about a half mile and turn right into the Manzanita Lake Picnic Area/Boat Launch parking area.

Reservations

No

There are no reservations for park entrance or for to walk Manzanita Lake Trail.

Season

Year Round

The Manzanita Lake Trailhead is located at high elevation (5900 feet). The trail can be accessed year-round. Snow can be present on the Manzanita Lake Trail through April. Hikers may benefit from snowshoes, snow/ice traction devices, and/or trekking poles when snow is present. 

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Accessibility Information

The trail is not recommended for wheelchair use. The trail is narrow in places with numerous obstacles including tree roots and exposed rocks. Individuals in wheelchairs can access the Manzanita Lake Picnic Area/Boat Launch to enjoy lake access, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and sunset watching.

Service animals assisting a person with a disability are permitted on park trails. A service animal, as described by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) performs a specific task for a disabled person.

Manzanita Lake Trail

Map of the trail around Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.