Volcanic Lakes Loop

This is a rugged wilderness itinerary that joins maintained trail with cross-country travel. Start at Lewis Creek Trailhead, climb Lewis Creek to Kennedy Pass, cross the Volcanic Lakes basin and high country near Granite Basin, then descend Copper Creek toward the Roaring River access. The reported backcountry section is about 32.9 miles with 10,600 feet of climbing. To close the loop, walk roughly 4.8 mapped miles along Highway 180 back to Lewis Creek, for about 38 miles total. Another account estimated the road leg at about six miles, so treat the full distance as approximate. A shuttle to Roaring River skips the road walk but makes this a point-to-point trip. Allow several days; about 36 hours moving is a planning estimate for the full route, not a typical schedule.

The first two miles climb steeply through chaparral and can feel punishingly hot on summer afternoons. Beyond the Hotel Creek junction the tread narrows and gets brushier, with stream crossings and a gradual change into open subalpine woods and meadows. Frypan Meadow is about 5.5 miles from the start and the first allowed campsite on this approach.

North of Kennedy Pass, the Lewis Creek tread becomes difficult to follow. The route leaves maintained trail for steep, loose talus and granite slabs around Kennedy Mountain and East Kennedy Lake before dropping into the Volcanic Lakes basin. The basin holds about a dozen lakes in polished granite bowls. This is a navigation-heavy section; do not expect a signed trail across the high country.

Beyond the lakes, the route crosses open rocky country near Granite Pass and Munger Peak before reaching the Copper Creek corridor above Grouse Lake and Upper Tent Meadow. The Lip looks into Granite Basin, and Grouse Lake has a narrow sandy shore. Between these landmarks, the route report describes off-trail talus and slab travel rather than a continuous path.

Copper Creek drops from the high meadows through manzanita, brush and forest to Highway 180 near the Roaring River access. The final road connection follows the highway back to the Lewis Creek start. It is paved roadside walking, not a trail. Arrange a shuttle if you want to end at Roaring River instead of walking the road; confirm the shoulder and current conditions before choosing the full circuit.

Overnight travel requires a wilderness permit; reservation and fee rules vary by season. Pets are not allowed on park trails. The Cedar Grove section of Highway 180 closes seasonally, generally around mid-November until spring, so check current road status before relying on either end of the route.