Crystal Lake Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · Swimming · Views · Wildlife

Bring a swimsuit, backpacking chairs or pads, maybe a towel, a picnic lunch or dinner, and enjoy this wonderful place! Please pack out all trash.

Trail runners can enjoy this, but it’s a bit short for an out and back. Including the game trail around the lake will only bring it to +2 miles, but a quick dip after might feel wonderful!

The trail is suitable for a wide variety of runners, and is only a half mile to the lake. There's a game trail around the lake. The trail up to the lake has a moderate incline, with switchbacks through a fir forest. There's some loose rock and scree, but with some running boots or trail running shoes, it is easily accessed. You'll get beautiful views of Juniper Lake, the Warner Valley, Mt. Harkness, and Lassen Peak. The parking area is only big enough for 3 vehicles, which keeps the crowds to a minimum. Bear-proof trash and recycling bins are at the trailhead.

There are some wildflowers in the early summer. There can also be deer and birds, but they don’t like company. Bigger critters are only possible to view during sunrise and sunset.