Cinder Cone
Posted by: 
alamofox
N 40° 32.932 W 121° 19.167
10T E 642299 N 4490035
Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the name says it all. A great example of a cinder cone that rises almost 900 feet from its surroundings. There are trails up to the rim and into the crater.
Waymark Code: WMCM7Y
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 09/20/2011
Views: 11
Cinder Cone is most easily accessed by driving into Butte Lake Campground and hiking approximately 1.15 miles. From intersection of state highway 89 and 44, continue east on state highway 44 for 11 miles. Watch for sign to Butte Lake Campground. Turn right and continue for 6 miles on a rough gravel road. Source: (
visit link)
It is also possible to hike there from Summit Lake Campground on Hwy 89. However, this hike itself involves a 17 mile round trip including an elevation gain of 1150 feet on the return.
There are two trails to the top from the base. One on the north side and the other on the south side. We consider the north side trail to be the easier, but both are very steep and the consistency of the cinders on the trail varies from a coarse sand to gravel. It is very loose and it feels like you are trying to move through sand. A person who is used to strenuous activity should be able to make the ascent in about 15 to 20 minutes. The trails around the crater rim are very firm and easy to walk.
At the top you have magnificent views of Butte Lake to the north, Snag Lake to the south, the Fantasitic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes to the east, and Mount Lassen itself can be seen to the southwest. It is about a 300 foot drop to the bottom of the crater.
Please be a good steward of the area for others and stay on the established trails.