RT Snag Lake

Remote alpine lake surrounded by volcanic landscapes, lava fields, and forested wilderness offering quiet shoreline views and abundant wildlife.

General Information

Length:

13.5 miles loop

Elevation Gain:

1,300 ft

Difficulty:

Hard

Hours:

Open seasonally, typically late spring through fall depending on snow conditions
Accessible during daylight hours

Fees:

Private vehicle: $30 (valid 7 days)
Motorcycle: $25
Individual (on foot/bicycle): $15

Pet Policy:

Pets are not allowed on hiking trails but are permitted in developed areas like roads, campgrounds, and parking areas

Closest cities with hotels:

Chester, CA (approx. 15–20 mi)

Seasons:

Late June through October

Location:

Snag Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Website:

nps.gov/lavo

How to Get There

From Chester, CA (20 mi): Take CA-36 east from Chester, turn onto Juniper Lake Road or Butte Lake Road depending on route, follow the unpaved road to the Butte Lake or Juniper Lake trailhead area, then hike several miles along marked trails to reach the lake.

Overview

Hidden deep within a rugged volcanic landscape, Snag Lake is a peaceful backcountry destination that rewards those willing to undertake a long and demanding hike. Reached by trails that traverse cinder cones, lava beds, and sweeping forests, the lake sits quietly beneath the slopes of nearby peaks, reflecting the surrounding terrain in its still waters. Along the way, hikers pass through stark stretches of volcanic ash and the dramatic Fantastic Lava Beds, remnants of past eruptions that shaped the region’s distinctive geology. w.onxmaps.com/hiking/gd6g2d1n7zo9/butte-lake-to-snag-lake-trail-west)[2](https://www.10adventures.com/hikes/lassen/butte-lake-to-snag-lake-loop/)

The journey to the lake is as captivating as the destination itself, offering ever-changing scenery that ranges from open, sunlit expanses to lightly wooded ridges with wide views across the wilderness. Wildlife is commonly spotted along the shoreline, and the lake’s remote setting provides a sense of solitude rare in more accessible areas of the park. For experienced hikers and backpackers, this route delivers an immersive experience into one of the park’s most geologically fascinating and least-visited corners. [3](https://hiiker.app/hikes/california/lassen-county/butte-lake-snag-lake-bear-lakes-and-cinder-cone-loop)[4](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g143042-d145164-Reviews-Snag_Lake-Lassen_Volcanic_National_Park_California.html)

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for Snag Lake, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.