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Manzanita Lake

Lake in California

Travel Tips

Don't miss the Bumpass Hell Trail for a look at the park's largest hydrothermal area. 1

Explore hiking trails suitable for all ages. Most of the park is accessible in summer. 2

Enjoy the less-visited trails and the unique bubbling, baby blue landscape on the Bumpass Hell trail. 3

Hike up Lassen Peak and explore the geothermal Bump Ass Hell hike. 4

Explore the summit of Lassen Peak Volcano for views over the surrounding wilderness. 5

Visit Kings Creek Falls Trail for a scenic hike. Be mindful of the park's seasonal accessibility. 6

Explore the network of trails for a full experience. 7

Visit in summer for full access, and don't miss the Junior Ranger program. 8

Summer visits reveal the park's dry, smoldering terrain, while winter requires serious gear for exploration. 9

Visit in late July, August, or September. The park has a short visitor season due to snow. 10

Introduction

Camping Options

• 🏕️ Campground: Manzanita Lake Campground has 179 sites, including group campsites.
• 🏠 Cabins: 20 rustic camping cabins are available in three models: two-room, one-room, and bunkhouse.
• 📅 Reservations: Required for both campsites and cabins, which can be made through recreation.gov.
• 🔥 Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant storage locker.
• 🚿 Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are available during the summer season.

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Activities

• 🎣 Fishing: Manzanita Lake is popular for fly fishing with a catch-and-release policy.
• 🚣 Boating: Non-motorized boating is permitted, and kayak rentals are available nearby.
• 🏊 Swimming: The lake's warm waters (62-68 degrees) make it ideal for swimming.
• 🥾 Hiking: Over 150 miles of hiking trails are accessible from the campground.
• ❄️ Winter Sports: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snow play are available in winter.

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Photography

• 📸 Iconic Views: The lake is one of the most photographed in Lassen, especially for reflections of Lassen Peak.
• 🌅 Sunset: Near sunset, the lighting is perfect for capturing dramatic reflections.
• 🌌 Night Photography: The Milky Way rising over Lassen Peak is a favorite subject.
• 🏞️ Vantage Points: The north side of the lake offers great spots for photographers.
• 🖼️ Historical Photos: The Loomis Museum displays period photographs of Lassen Peak’s 1914 eruption.

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Nature and Wildlife

• 🌸 Flora: The park boasts over 700 species of flowering plants.
• 🦅 Fauna: Home to 250 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish.
• 🌋 Volcanic Features: The park contains 300 active volcanic domes and hydrothermal features like mud pots and steam vents.
• 🏞️ Unique Habitats: Located at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and the Great Basin.
• 🐻 Wildlife Safety: Visitors must store food and scented products in bear-resistant lockers.

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Seasons and Access

• 🌞 Summer: The busiest season with nearly all activities and services accessible.
• 🍂 Fall: Most areas remain accessible, but services gradually decrease.
• ❄️ Winter: Limited road access and services; activities include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
• 🌸 Spring: Access to snow-free areas increases between April and June.
• 🕒 Year-Round: The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Facilities

• 🚿 Showers: Pay showers are available during the summer season.
• 🛒 General Store: Supplies for picnicking, camping, and fishing are available.
• 🧺 Laundry: Coin-operated laundry facilities are on-site.
• 🚻 Restrooms: Flush toilets are available in the summer; vault toilets in the off-season.
• 🛏️ Cabin Rentals: Rustic cabins with basic amenities are available for rent.

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