01
Best lakeside stroll
Lake Almanor Recreation Trail
Along The West Shore Of Lake Almanor • Gentle Forested Lakeside Path • Best For Relaxed Half-Day Walks
A mellow multi-use path tracing Lake Almanor’s shoreline with consistent water views and easy terrain.
If you want a low-key outing from East Shore, this is the dependable go-to trail around the lake. Mix short out-and-backs with longer sections that dip in and out of shade, with plenty of spots to step down to the water or watch afternoon wind ruffle the surface. It’s an easy choice for families, casual walkers, or anyone easing into the elevation.
02
Quiet forest corridor
Almanor Rail Trail
Between Westwood And Lake Almanor • Converted Rail-Trail Through Pine Forest • Easygoing Bike-And-Hike Option
An old railroad grade turned multi-use trail, threading through tall pines with gentle grades and a backcountry feel.
The Almanor Rail Trail has just enough distance to feel like an adventure without demanding technical hiking skills. The wide, mostly level track makes it simple to hike side by side, and the forest canopy keeps things cooler on hot afternoons. It’s a nice change of pace when you want quiet woods and bird song instead of shoreline bustle.
03
Best full-day rail-trail
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
West Of Susanville • River Canyon Rail-Trail • Scenic Day Trip From The Lake
A long, gently graded trail following the Susan River through a string of bridges, tunnels, and broad canyon views.
Locals treat the Bizz Johnson as a choose-your-own-distance outing: you can sample a short section from a trailhead or make a full day of it. The canyon setting gives you a different landscape than Lake Almanor—think rocky walls, seasonal color, and the steady sound of the river. Start early from East Shore and you can hike a solid stretch, picnic along the water, and still be back at the lake for sunset.
04
Iconic volcanic boardwalk
Bumpass Hell Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park, South Entrance • High-Country Geothermal Hike • Iconic National Park Outing
A short but memorable hike that climbs to steaming vents, bubbling mudpots, and boardwalk views high in the Lassen backcountry.
When folks in East Shore talk about “doing Lassen,” this is usually the trail they mean. The climb is steady but manageable, and the payoff is a surreal basin of steam, mineral colors, and wide-open mountain views that feels much farther from the road than it is. Pair it with a scenic drive over the park highway for a classic Northern Sierra day out.
05
Most dramatic summit
Cinder Cone & Painted Dunes Trail
Butte Lake Area, Lassen Volcanic National Park • Steep Volcanic Summit Hike • Best For Strong Hikers And Photographers
A short, very steep climb up loose cinders to a rim with sweeping views of lava beds, Painted Dunes, and distant peaks.
The drive from East Shore is longer, but hikers who make the trip to Butte Lake are rewarded with one of the most unusual summit views in Northern California. The trail shoots straight up the cone, so expect a slow, sandy grind and bring trekking poles if you have them. From the top you can circle the rim, drop into the crater, and linger over the Painted Dunes’ rust-red swirls in late-afternoon light.