Epic Adventures
Special Places
Check out some of our favorite places on the Lassen National Forest. We hope that you enjoy them as much as we do!
With sweeping views of Mount Lassen and Dyer Mountain, Almanor Beach is the perfect place to have a picnic and go for a swim. With picnic tables, grills, and bathrooms this site has everything you need to enjoy Lake Almanor. The beach has buoys that protect the swimming area from watercrafts. No lifeguards are present at Almanor Beach.
Campground located 7 miles off highway 44. Motor homes and large trailers not recommended due to rough steep road. There are 17 sites at lake, each site has a fire ring and table. Hand pumped water, vault toilets. Fly fishing, canoeing, and float tubing are favorites at Crater Lake. Fall season check out the display of colors our aspen stands contribute to the tranquility of the area. No gas motors on lake. No lifeguard on duty.
This trail follows along the steep banks of Deer Creek, providing scenic views of the river below and the surrounding hillsides. The stream is some of the most important habitat for the threatened Central Valley spring run Chinook salmon. As you pass through the privately held Deer Creek Preserve you may observe salmon using the fish ladder which allows salmon and other fish navigate around Lower Deer Creek Falls and extend their habitat range. Great camping opportunities can be found on the trail where it is on Forest Service land. However, Deer Creek Preserve prohibits camping and campfires.
Dow Butte Lookout & Eagle Lake Marina. Dow Butte Lookout is a former fire lookout that can be seen from Eagle Lake. This view from near the closed lookout tower.
Day use area near Aspen campground. Great for family fun, sandcastles, sunbathing, and swimming. No lifeguard on duty.
Scenic overlook of the Hat Creek Valley. Interpretive site with access to the Pacific Crest Trail. Picnic tables and vault toilets are located at the overlook, but there is no running water.
This scenic National Recreation Trail climbs 3 miles along the creek to a beautiful mountain lake. There is another trailhead on the 17 road which allows a shorter 2-mile hike to Heart Lake. This trail continues another 6 miles, briefly passing through Lassen Volcanic National Park, leading to the trailhead on the 30N16 road. Enjoy peaceful birdsong and a stunning view of Brokeoff Mountain. No lifeguard on duty.
Whether you want to get out for a long bike ride or go for a leisurely stroll, this 11-mile trail that follows the west shore of Lake Almanor makes for the perfect outing, with spectacular views of Lake Almanor, Dyer Mountain, and Lassen Peak. Stretching from Almanor West to Canyon Dam Boat Launch, this trail hugs the lake’s shoreline for much of its length and cuts through rolling pine forest in others. With many access points and easy access to Dyer View Day Use, Almanor Beach, and Prattville there are great opportunities for picnicking, migratory waterfowl viewing, or stopping off at a local café for lunch. The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is closed to all motorized vehicles.
The newest campground on the Almanor Ranger District offers full hookup sites and easy access to the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail as well as the nearby Almanor Boat Ramp. Surrounded by a Jeffery pine forest and conveniently located a half mile from the lake, this campground offers the relaxation in the forest with easy access to the water and expanse of Lassen National Forest in almost every direction, yet it’s only minutes from the convenience of nearby restaurants and stores in Chester and Prattville.
The Old Station Visitor Information Center is the hub of the Hat Creek recreation area. Here you can view interpretive displays including a living trout exhibit (seasonal) and delightful gardens. It is a pleasant stop to get answers to your forest questions. Maps, wood cutting permits, Christmas tree permits (Nov- Dec) nature books and interpretive items are available for sale.
2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada and by far the most popular trail in the west, the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) runs right though Lassen National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hat Creek Ranger District has 64 miles along mountain ridges, deep forests and open country. The views from this portion of the trail are outrageous -- Lassen Peak and Mt. Shasta! Elevations along the trail range from 3,200 to 5,500 feet. Portions of the trail are under snow until late spring. There is no water available for approximately 26 miles along the Hat Creek Rim.
Self-guided interpretive trail through the origin of the Hat Creek Lava Flow. See spatter cones, craters, and a beautiful view of the Hat Creek Valley. Loop trail, approximately 1.7 miles long. View of Mount Lassen from the Spattercone Nature Trail.
Explore the underground world of a lava tube. The self-guided trail (area is unavailable) is approximately 1/3 mile long and the cave is completely dark, so don't forget to bring a flashlight.
The floor is rough and jagged so wear sturdy shoes. A light jacket will ward off the chill as the cave remains a cool 46 degrees F. Neither hardhats nor crawling is required!
Pets are not allowed.
Exploring the forest
Where will your next adventure take you?
