{"id":4380,"date":"2019-07-24T07:26:36","date_gmt":"2019-07-24T14:26:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/?p=4380"},"modified":"2023-03-03T13:00:43","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T20:00:43","slug":"crystal-lake-trail-lassen-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com\/blog\/2019\/07\/24\/crystal-lake-trail-lassen-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Crystal Lake Trail, Lassen Volcanic National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Crystal Lake Trail begins near the Juniper Lake Campground in the eastern reaches of Lassen Volcanic National Park and makes an excellent addition for anyone camping here. The trail rises at a rate of 1,125 feet per mile, which is mighty steep. However, since it\u2019s only 0.4 mile, you\u2019ll gladly accept the challenge to gain the good graces of Crystal Lake, one of the most precious jewels of Lassen Volcanic National Park<\/a>. You can swim the inviting waters, picnic near the shores, explore nearby ridges, or just sit and absorb the beauty and magnificence of this special spot.<\/p>\n

\"Crystal
Crystal Lake lies above Juniper Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. (Photo courtesy of Steve Lewis)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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2021 Dixie Fire Update for Lassen Volcanic National Park Trails, including Crystal Lake and Juniper Lake<\/h2>\n

Much of the eastern portion of Lassen Volcanic National Park has burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. Most or all of the hiking trails will be closed in the area until at least the summer of 2022, including trails at and near Crystal Lake and Juniper Lake. Get details from the park here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Crystal Lake Trail Key Data<\/h2>\n

Distance: 0.8 mile round trip
\nDifficulty: Moderate
\nType: Day hike
\nElevation gain: 450 feet
\nHigh point: 7250 feet
\nSeason: late June through mid-October
\nContact: Lassen Volcanic National Park<\/a>
\nMaps: USGS 7.5′ Mount Harkness, Lassen Volcanic National Park brochure
\nNearest campground: Juniper Lake Campground
\nCrystal Lake Trailhead GPS coordinates: N 40 27.258 W 121 17.768
\nNotes: dogs prohibited<\/p>\n

Crystal Lake Trailhead Directions<\/h2>\n

Drive Highway 36 to Chester, go 100 feet east of the North Fork Feather River Bridge, then head north on Feather River Drive. Bear right after 0.7 mile. Travel on pavement for another 5.5 miles; then the road surface turns to rough dirt (too rough for trailers). Continue 12.3 miles to the parking area on the right (0.3 mile past the turnoff to Juniper Lake Campground).<\/p>\n

\"Trail
Hiking trail map for Crystal Lake. (Courtesy of Caltopo.com<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Hiking the Crystal Lake Trail<\/h2>\n

Start the brisk climb with the pleasant company of red fir, lodgepole pine, bush chinquapin, and pinemat manzanita as you travel near Crystal Lake\u2019s usually dry outlet creek. Continue up the rock-studded trail, noting the appearance of Jeffrey pine at 0.2 mile, along with a few greenleaf manzanita. Stop to gather energy and look west for impressive vistas, then push on with the certain knowledge that the views will be even better when you reach you destination. As you approach the last switchback before reaching Crystal Lake, look up to the right for a glimpse of a few western juniper trees, the namesake for Juniper Lake.<\/p>\n

Let your pounding heart and bellowing lungs calm to normal rates as you take in the glacially formed lake and its near surroundings. The Crystal Cliffs and other ridges to the east rise 300 feet above the water\u2019s surface. To see these ridges reflected in the water, take a stroll along the 0.2-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake.<\/p>\n

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Camp for Free in California National Forests<\/h4>\n

\"CampCalifornia’s national forests and BLM lands have thousands of miles of dirt roads with lots of spots for dispersed camping (boondocking).<\/strong> My book provides all the info you need to get started (but is not a guide to specific sites):<\/p>\n