Snag Lake Loop

Snag Lake Loop is a 13-mile circuit from the Butte Lake Day Use Area around the Fantastic Lava Beds and Snag Lake, returning by a different trail corridor. It is the long walk in the park’s remote northeast, not the separate short climb to Cinder Cone’s summit. The route is rated moderate, but its 13 miles make it a full-day effort. Allow about seven hours with breaks.

The west-side leg leaves the Butte Lake access on the Nobles Emigrant corridor, passes the cinder fields and the edge of the Fantastic Lava Beds, then reaches Snag Lake. The return circles the lake on its other side and follows the Butte Lake shoreline back to the same access. This is a true loop; the Cinder Cone summit spur is not part of the 13-mile route.

The volcanic ground is the point of the walk: dark lava blocks, rust-red cinders, and the broad lava field make a striking change from the tree-lined lake shores. Much of the route is sun exposed, so don’t count on steady shade. At Snag Lake, the small wooded island and its reflection make a good place to pause. For a photo of the lava, leave a strip of trail in the foreground so the rough formations keep their scale.

The trailhead is near the Butte Lake boat ramp, in a remote corner of the park. Reaching it means about six miles on an unpaved road from Highway 44. There is no food or other service along the route. Drinking water is available at Butte Lake Campground when it is open, so carry enough for the entire hike. Pets are not permitted on any hiking trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Part of the west-side circuit follows the Nobles Emigrant Trail, one of the routes emigrants used to cross what is now the park. The old travel corridor passes through a landscape shaped by much newer volcanic forces.