Lassen National Forest

Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.

General Information

Lassen National forest is a very unique place because it is geographically situated at a point where a number of other parks and forests intersect, each with an overlap of a little bit different type of terrain, landscape, wildlife and natural wonders.

Some of the parks and forests nearby are Sierra Nevada, the lava of the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau, and the sagebrush of the Great Basin.

The forest is a great destination for people who like to camp. There are many different camp sites scattered across the forest, each with different amenities, elevation levels, and natural attractions nearby.

Trailheads

Trailhead Name: Old Station Information Center

Trailhead Description: The Pacific Crest Trail makes its way through the area close to the visitor center. The Pacific Crest Trail is very long and extends from Mexico to Canada. From the visitor center, hikers can go north or south.

Parking is available at this trailhead

Parking spots: 25

Parking cost at the trailhead is unknown

Access to trail is NOT wheelchair accessible

Restroom availability is unknown

Routes and Trails You Can Travel

We currently do not have any record of good routes in this park.

Hiking

Spencer Meadow Trailhead is the start of the Spencer Meadow Trail. The trail is approximately 6 miles and is one of the popular places at the forest. It leads to Alpine meadows, tall timber, and along creeks.

The Heart Lake Trailhead and trail are popular for hiking and equestrian use. The trail spans about 4.7 miles along Martin creek with scenic views of Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain.

Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is quite a long trail spanning 19 miles. Lake Almanor Recreation winds through a mixed conifer forest with spectacular views of Lake Almanor, Dyer Mountain, and Lassen Peak. Watch for wildlife as you may see bald eagles, osprey, and goshawk.

Trails

Pacific Crest Trail - one of the most known trails (for hikers and equestrians within Lassen) at Lassen National Forest. The trail is one of the most scenic trails one could ever find. This is an extremely long trail. It extends from Mexico to Canada, and goes 2,650 miles through California, Oregon, and Washington. 66 miles of the trail winds through Lassen National Forest.


Some of the other trails at the forest are
- Bizz Johnson Trail - 26 mile trail is a wide path without too much elevation gain or loss.

- Eagle Lake All Access Trail - paved 5.2 mile all access trail along Eagle Lake.

- Heart Lake National Recreation Trail - 3.5 mile trail along Martin Creek. The trail offers incredible views of Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain.

- Lake Almanor Recreation Trail - a long trail with about 11 miles of it paved. The trails connects Lake Almanor West to the Canyon Dam Boat Launch via mixed conifer forest with spectacular views of Lake Almanor, Dyer Mountain, and Lassen Peak.

- Spencer Meadows National Recreation Trail - twelve mile trail through aspen groves, meadow areas, incense cedar, and bubbling springs.

- Spatter Cone Crest Trail - a nature trail just under one mile. There are three types of volcanoes that are possible to see in such a short walk. This is a pretty amazing little trail.

- Subway Cave Lava Tube Guided Trail - goes through Subway Cave which is an underground lava tube.

- Tamarack Trail Head - easy trail into the Thousand Lakes wilderness. Approximately 3.5 miles to Lake Eiler.

- Thousand Lakes Wilderness - between Burney and Lassen Volcanic National Park within the southern portion of the Cascade Mountain Range where visitors and travelers can experience a unique landscape. There are volcanic and glacial formations, rocky ravines, mountain slopes, open meadows, and stands of lodgepole pine and red fir define the Wilderness. For people who like to climb high elevations, the 8,677 foot Crater Peak is there. It is the highest point at the Lassen National Forest.

Climate and Weather

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History

Wildlife

Birds

There are many different species that live in the forest year round or migrate through it. Some of the better known species are bald eagles, osprey, and goshawk.

Trees

Flowers

Other Plants

Camping Possibilities

Camping is possible at Lassen National Forest. Bogard campground has 11 camp sites.

The Christie Campground is part of the Eagle Lake Recreation Area. Amenities there include restrooms and electricity.

Other Information

The forest has a network of roads intended not only for getting around, but for scenic drives and to give an ability to give great views of nature and wildlife in the area. Maps of the driving routes are available on the park's official website or can be picked up at the park visitor center when you arrive there.

Gallatin Beach is a popular place to visit for relaxation, swimming and light recreational activities.

Parking

Parking is available at various trailheads and camp sites throughout the forest. Lassen is very car-friendly because many people drive from far away to camp or hike here.

Driving Directions

Park Map