Hiking the Manzanita Lake Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Distance: 2.2 miles / 3.5 km
The Manzanita Lake Trail, often called the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail, in Lassen Volcanic National Park, is one of the most beautiful and easy day hikes in the entire park!
I believe this because the west side of Manzanita Lake is unique in that there are countless east-facing viewpoints across the water toward Lassen Peak, which makes Manzanita Lake not only one of the most picturesque spots in all of Lassen Volcanic National Park but also one of the best places to catch the sunset!
That said, sunset is, without a doubt, my favorite time of day to hike the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail, and if you’re a photographer looking to capture the best photos, I recommend reading to the very end, as there are a few secrets about this side of the lake that most visitors aren’t aware of!
Manzanita Lake Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Manzanita Lake Trail is located in a few different places along the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop.
First, the main parking area can be found just outside the Loomis Ranger Station and Museum, or visitors can also park in one of several lots that serve the Manzanita Lake Boat Launch and Picnic Area along the east side of the lake.
Google Maps Directions: Manzanita Lake Trailhead (Loomis Ranger Station)
Hiking Checklist - Lassen Volcanic
Here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
That said, bear spray is purposefully excluded from this list because, while the park is home to Black Bears, bear spray is not allowed in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Hiking the Manzanita Lake Trail
While the Manzanita Lake Trail can begin from any number of points along the loop, this article is written from the Manzanita Lake Trailhead at the Loomis Ranger Station.
Manzanita Lake Loop Trail
Immediately after leaving the Loomis Ranger Station, the Manzanita Lake Trail splits into the 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop around the lake.
Personally, I don’t think it makes too much of a difference which direction you decide to hike first, but if you’re most interested in reaching the best viewpoints of Lassen Peak the quickest, go right to begin hiking the loop counterclockwise.
Regarding my thoughts above, I chose to go right at the initial junction.
After the loop junction, the Manzanita Lake Trail simply parallels the water and Lassen Peak Highway for about 0.6 miles (1.0 km) until it reaches the first of many viewpoints toward Lassen Peak on the west side of the lake.
At this split, go left to stay on the Manzanita Lake Trail, as the path to the right leads to a roadside parking area off Lassen Peak Highway.
Manzanita Lake Entrance Station
When the Manzanita Lake Trail reaches the Manzanita Lake Entrance Station, the loop turns to the south, where it leaves Lassen Peak Highway behind.
I mention this because this is where Lassen Peak becomes visible for the first time across the lake!
This is where I recommend to start looking for unique angles of Lassen Peak!
Of all the beautiful viewpoints toward Lassen Peak, this first one is my favorite, because of the way the peak can be framed between both sides of Manzanita Lake at its narrowest point.
However, there are countless other amazing viewpoints over the next 0.4 miles (0.6 km) that some photographers might find to be better!
After crossing over the Manzanita Creek Outlet, the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail begins to work its way along the western peninsula, where countless other viewpoints can be found through the bushes and trees.
If you’re more interested in a wide open view with water framing both sides of your photo, this spot on the south side of the western peninsula is where to look!
This is where I would recommend hiking for family photos and for photographers looking for a less obstructed view of Lassen Peak.
After the wide-open viewpoint mentioned above, the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail leaves behind the best views of Lassen Peak, as it works its way back up the south side of the lake.
This is where the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail turns back to the east to begin hiking back toward the Loomis Ranger Station.
Just before the Manzanita Lake Trail reaches the junction for the Manzanita Lake Campground, the trail splits twice, back to back.
Here, go right at the first, then left at the second, to continue hiking around the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail.
Manzanita Lake-Manzanita Lake Campground Junction
After the two splits shown above, the Manzanita Lake Loop will meet the official junction that leads to the Manzanita Lake Campground.
That said, go left here to continue paralleling the shoreline back around to the beginning of the hike.
Manzanita Lake Boat Launch
Shortly before the Manzanita Creek Inlet, the Manzanita Lake Trail passes the boat launch, with the picnic area following shortly after.
I think it’s important to mention that these two back-to-back spots on the east side of Manzanita Lake tend to be the busiest sections of the entire loop—especially on a beautiful, sunny summer day!
Manzanita Lake Picnic Area
This is the Manzanita Lake Picnic Area, located just a few steps past the boat launch.
When the Manzanita Lake Loop reaches the inlet, there’s only 0.2 miles (0.3 km) left before the trail returns to the Loomis Ranger Station.
At this split, go right to stay on the Manzanita Lake Trail.
Manzanita Lake Loop Junction
Almost immediately after crossing the Manzanita Creek Inlet for the second time, the Manzanita Lake Trail returns to the beginning of the loop.
From here, go right and the trailhead, as well as the Loomis Ranger Station, will be found just a short distance ahead.
Loomis Ranger Station
Overall, the Manzanita Lake Trail has continually been one of my favorite day hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park for many years, because of the beautiful photos that can be captured along the west side of Manzanita Lake!
Now, if you’ve made it this far in the article, I’ll share a little secret!
When I returned to the Loomis Ranger Station on this hike, I was able to capture the sunset photos shown at the beginning of this article because I drove 0.4 miles (0.6 km) down Lassen Peak Highway toward the entrance station and parked in one of the small roadside pullouts that parallel the Manzanita Lake Trail.
From here, it’s only a 0.1-mile (0.2 km) walk to my favorite spot to photograph Lassen Peak, or, if you’re more interested in the wide-open angle shot on the south side of the western peninsula, it’s about a 0.3-mile (0.5 km) hike each way.
Either way, don’t forget to pack a good headlamp for the hike back in the dark!
