Lake Helen

Lake Helen is a deep alpine lake beneath Lassen Peak at 8,169 feet. The park highway follows its south and west shores, so you can see it without a hike. Keep it as an easy stop for blue water and peak views rather than a separate outing.

The lake is visible along about a mile of roadway between the Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak trail parking areas. The small picnic area at the southeast corner has a handful of tables and two vault toilets. Parking is limited, so use designated pullouts and keep entirely off the highway and surrounding plants. There is no drinking water at the picnic area.

The rocky south shore allows swimming, but the water stays very cold. Floating devices are prohibited, and stay off lake ice. There are no lifeguards, and submerged hazards may be present. Keep to durable surfaces around the lake; lakeshore lupine is easily damaged.

The lake is more than 100 feet deep, and its clear blue water can give a near-mirror reflection of Lassen Peak when the surface is calm. For a wider view, a small pullout above the lake faces southwest toward the sunset. From the shore, include water and peak together so the reflection reads clearly.

Snow and ice often remain on the lake well into summer, and melt timing varies by year. At this elevation, an open road does not mean the shoreline is snow-free; check current access and conditions if you are visiting early in the season.