Manzanita Lake Loop Trail

Manzanita Lake is at the heart of the Northwest Entrance area. The trailhead starts out of the area that includes the Visitor Center where there are restrooms and potable water. This hike can be completed either clockwise or counter clockwise. Hikers going in a counter clockwise direction will leave out of this visitor center and follow the wide well-maintained trail around the lake. The trail is flat for the duration of the hike which makes for a very family friendly trail. As hikers stroll along the trail, they should enjoy the plant life that surrounds the lake. The towering Ponderosa Pine should be enjoyed. Hikers should also look out for the snow plant that dots the trail. This snow plant is native to Northern California and Oregon is a stunning bright red plant that feeds off the fungi below the soil. About 1 mile into the hike hikers will have the perfect view of Lassen Peak. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a snack or picnic. There are plenty of open areas along the trail as well as logs that make for a wonderful seating area. The trail will turn back towards the trailhead and hikers will cross a small footbridge over the outlet of the lake. Hikers will meander back to the trailhead. Roughly a quarter of a mile hikers will enter a more developed area of the trail. There is a beach where hikers can rent canoes or kayaks to take out on the lake. There are also picnic areas where they can enjoy the scenery. Shortly thereafter hikers will cross the stream that feeds the lake and be back at the trailhead. The views of the mountain and lake are unbeatable. This loop is the perfect way to start a trip off to Lassen Volcanic National Park.