01
Best big-view trek
Hat Creek Rim (Pacific Crest Trail Section)
Hat Creek Rim South Of Old Station • Exposed Rim Trail With Huge Vistas • Best For Wide-Open Vistas
A high, dry stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail with sweeping views over Hat Creek Valley and distant volcanoes.
Starting near Old Station, this section of the PCT quickly climbs onto Hat Creek Rim and stays high, with big sky and long sightlines the whole way. Water and shade are sparse, so it is a better choice for early mornings or shoulder seasons. In return, you get some of the grandest panoramas in the region without technical terrain.
02
Best family adventure
Subway Cave and Hat Creek Trail
Highway 89 North Of Old Station • Lava-Tube Walk And Shady Forest Trail • Best For Families And First-Time Visitors
A short loop that pairs a kid-friendly lava tube with easy walking along cool, forested stretches of Hat Creek.
Subway Cave is an accessible lava tube with a well-marked path, stair entrances, and a thrill factor that stays fun rather than intimidating. Bring a good flashlight and layers, as the temperature drops sharply once you are inside. After exploring the tube, follow the nearby Hat Creek Trail for a mellow stroll beside the water and a different angle on the same volcanic landscape.
03
Best easy loop
Manzanita Lake Loop
Lassen Volcanic Np, North Entrance Area • Gentle Lakeside Loop With Mountain Views • Best For Relaxed Hiking And Photography
A mostly flat loop circling Manzanita Lake with classic reflections of Lassen Peak on calm days.
Just inside Lassen Volcanic National Park from the northwest entrance, the Manzanita Lake Loop is a go-to walk for new visitors. The trail winds through pines and skirts the shore, with frequent benches and side spots to sit, watch wildlife, or frame photos of Lassen Peak across the water. It is an easy outing that still feels like a full-dose introduction to the park.
04
Best volcanic climb
Cinder Cone and Painted Dunes
Lassen Volcanic Np, Butte Lake Area • Steep Volcanic Cone And Lava Landscape • Best For Strong Hikers And Geology Buffs
A demanding but short climb up loose volcanic cinders to a crater rim overlooking the Painted Dunes and lava beds.
From the Butte Lake trailhead, the route to Cinder Cone winds through pumice flats before attacking a steep, slippery slope of black cinders. At the summit, you can walk the crater rim and look down on the multicolored ash deposits known as the Painted Dunes, with distant peaks ringing the horizon. It is a compact hike that delivers a dramatic, otherworldly payoff.
05
Best waterfall hike
Kings Creek Falls Trail
Lassen Volcanic Np, South-Central High Country • Creekside Forest And Waterfall Trail • Best For Summer Shade And Flowing Water
A moderate trail that follows lively Kings Creek through meadows and forest to a photogenic cascading waterfall.
Located in the higher country of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Kings Creek Falls offers cooler temperatures and lush scenery in summer. The path dips past small cascades and pools before reaching the main falls, where mist and noise fill a rocky amphitheater. It is a satisfying half-day outing that balances effort with rewarding scenery and plenty of places to linger.