🌋 Cinder Cone Trailhead: Hiking Into the Heart of a Volcano

Tucked away in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Cinder Cone Trailhead offers one of California’s most surreal hiking experiences. This isn’t just a walk in the woods—it’s a journey through ancient lava beds, vibrant volcanic landscapes, and into the crater of a dormant volcano.

📍 Trail Overview

• Trail Type: Out-and-back
• Distance: Approximately 4.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: Around 1,053 feet
• Difficulty: Strenuous
• Estimated Time: 2.5 to 4 hours
• Trailhead Location: Butte Lake Campground

🏞️ What Makes It Special

• Fantastic Lava Beds: Early in the hike, you’ll pass towering walls of black basalt—remnants of the Cinder Cone’s explosive eruption in the 1650s.
• Painted Dunes: These technicolor ash fields near the cone’s base are a photographer’s dream, with hues of red, orange, and purple that shift with the light.
• Crater Views: After a steep climb up loose volcanic scree, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, and the surreal crater itself.

🧭 Trail Experience

The hike begins gently, winding through a quiet ponderosa pine forest. Interpretive signs along the way reveal the area’s volcanic history and ecological significance. At about 1.25 miles, you’ll reach a junction—your last chance for shade before the real climb begins.

The ascent is short but intense. Volcanic gravel shifts underfoot, making each step a challenge. But once you reach the summit, the effort pays off in spades. You can even descend into the crater for a closer look at the cone’s eerie interior.

🔥 A Living Volcano

Cinder Cone isn’t just a relic—it’s technically still active. Its last eruption was around 350 years ago, and it features two concentric craters formed during separate eruptive periods. The greater Lassen area has been volcanically active for over 3 million years, making this hike a literal walk through geologic time.

🚗 Getting There

From Highway 44, turn south onto Forest Road 32N21 and drive about 5 miles to Butte Lake Campground. The road is typically open May through October, depending on snow conditions. Facilities include restrooms, potable water, and picnic areas near the lake.

🧠 Pro Tips

• Bring plenty of water—there’s no shade on the climb.
• Wear sturdy shoes with good grip for the scree ascent.
• Grab a trail brochure at the visitor center or trailhead to follow the numbered interpretive stops.
• Visit in early morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and dramatic lighting on the Painted Dunes.

Whether you're a geology geek, a solitude seeker, or just someone chasing unforgettable views, the Cinder Cone Trail delivers. It’s a hike that doesn’t just challenge your legs—it stirs your imagination.