"Hike to the base or summit of the dramatic Cinder Cone volcano via this popular trail in the Butte Lake Area. The sand-like cinders on this trail make the hike challenging, especially when climbing the steep 200-foot ascent to the summit. However, hikers are afforded with fantastic views of the dramatic cinder cone, its lava flow called the Fantastic Lava Beds, and the colorful Painted Dunes. At 1.2 miles, the trail reaches a fork at the base of Cinder Cone. Look to your left (south) here for the first views of the colorful Painted Dunes. Please stay on the trail to avoid scarring the landscape with footprints. Be sure to take a break in the shade of the surrounding Jeffrey pines before beginning the heart-pumping climb to the top of the cone. Lassen Peak comes into view as the trail slowly circles around to the south side of the cone. The summit affords panoramic views in all directions. Prospect Peak, Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, the Fantastic Lava Beds and the Painted Dunes are all clearly visible. An additional trail continues down into the crater of Cinder Cone."
The Cinder Cone Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Rebecca Latson
Monday, October 10, 2022
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