"Manzanita Lake is one of Lassen Volcanic’s busiest hubs, and for good reason. The easy shoreline access and the relatively short loop trail around the lake are attractive for sightseers, naturalists, anglers, picnickers, hikers, and joggers. Motorized boating is not allowed on any park lake, which contributes to a peaceful ambience, at least away from the tra?c noise generated from the Main Park Road nearby. On most summer days, a thriving cross section of wildlife, mainly birds, will reward visitors with keen eyes." Read more

"A prettier sight than a winter view of Lassen Peak across the crystalline surface of Manzanita Lake after a fresh dusting of snow is hard to imagine. When the sky is blue and the snow pristine, fortunate winter visitors can revel in the beautiful scenery as they travel the easy, basically ?at, short loop around Manzanita Lake. As an added bonus, visitation is usually lighter here than at the southwest entrance. The Park Service does not recommend this route for skiers." Read more

"Along the Manzanita Creek Route, skiers and snowshoers make a pleasant journey through light forest for a few miles to reach the open upper canyon, where views of Crescent Cliff and Loomis Peak provide an ample reward for the mild-to-moderate climb. The trip can be done as an overnighter, but campsites should be located away from the avalanche chutes on Loomis Peak. After about 2 miles, the route draws nearer to the stream and climbs moderately through a mostly red fir forest. After another mile, the grade eases and the terrain opens up in the vicinity of a series of meadows in the upper drainage." Read more

"Few seem to tread this trail up the canyon of Manzanita Creek to the base of Crescent Cliff, which is a shame, as the wildflower display in the upper meadows is one of Lassen Volcanic’s finest. What the trail lacks in picturesque lakes and sweeping views is more than made up for by the serenity of the lowland forest and the outstanding floral delights of the upper canyon. A wide, sandy path leads south from the trailhead and soon intersects the course of the old Manzanita Creek Road on a moderate climb through patches of greenleaf manzanita and stands of Jeffrey pine and white fir. Eventually, the trail crosses to the west of a steep-sided gully, switchbacks out of the gully, and then climbs moderately before the grade eases on a pleasant, half-mile ascent to a notch in a morainal ridge. Although views are rare along this stretch of trail, parts of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags can be seen through the trees." Read more