Manzanita Lake Loop

Manzanita Lake Loop is an easy 1.8-mile circuit around the lake, with Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags rising over the water. Allow about an hour at an ordinary walking pace, longer if you stop for views or birds. The line starts at the southeast-shore boat launch and follows the main shoreline loop back to the same lot; it does not add the separate 0.2-mile path to Loomis Plaza. The park lists the loop at 1.8 miles in its trail table, though a detailed hike page says 1.7. The mapped circuit measures about 1.83 miles, so the figures describe the same short loop with slightly different rounding or measurement.

Start at the day-use boat launch and go clockwise, the common direction from this lot. The trail winds through pines beside the water, briefly pulls away from the shore on the northeast side, then reaches the northwest inlet and the broadest mountain views. It crosses Manzanita Creek on small footbridges, rounds a narrow peninsula, and returns along the south and east shore to the boat launch. Watch for the campground branch near the wooded inlet on the return; follow the shoreline circuit. From Loomis Plaza, a separate 0.2-mile connecting path reaches the loop, so account for that extra walk if you start there.

This is a low-effort walk with little overall elevation change, but it is not a smooth promenade. Most of the tread is firm dirt, with tree roots, exposed rocks, and a few narrow, rough patches. Some stretches are open to the sun, while others pass through pines. The creek crossing and uneven ground call for steady footing; the park does not recommend the route for wheelchairs or strollers. Closed-toe walking shoes make more sense here than sandals.

The west shore is the payoff: Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags open across the water, with the inlet and pines shaping different views as you round the lake. The narrow peninsula gives you water on both sides and a broader look at the peaks. When the surface is calm, the mountains reflect in the lake; the west shore also catches sunset light on the peaks. Keep the shoreline path as your foreground and wait for still water if you want a clear reflection. These are open lakeside views, not a single signed overlook, so you can stop where the path already meets the shore.

The lake edge and trees support waterbirds, songbirds, and raptors. Deer, Douglas squirrels, and golden-mantled ground squirrels are also often seen around the area, though sightings vary. The boat-launch and picnic area is the most developed stretch and can feel busier than the quieter shoreline. Give wildlife room and do not feed it.

Both the boat-launch day-use lot and Loomis Plaza work as starting points. The day-use area has parking, restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and the boat launch; Loomis Plaza has another restroom and its parking often fills in summer. There is no separate fee or reservation for the walk, but you need a park entrance fee or valid pass. The park describes the trail as open year-round; snow can remain into April, so traction and poles may be useful when it is present. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on park trails; service animals are permitted.