Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park (CA-44) offers a postcard view of Lassen Peak and fall color reflected in its still waters.
The trail that rings the lake is an easy hike – just two miles, flat and passing Patchy golden willows, alder and aspen.
Color spotter Michelle Pontoni enjoyed the walk on Friday and recommends enjoying the hike now, when the days are still warm and the fall color is beginning to burst. It should stay good for two more weeks.
The park entrance fee is $30. Though, admission to this national park and 2,000 other federal lands, forests and parks is included with the $80 lifetime “Golden Age” pass sold to seniors. If you are 62 years or older, it’s a great investment that will give you years of access to California’s nine national parks.
Michelle drove north from Reno on US 395 to Susanville, then west on CA-36. Past Susanville, she passed through large Patchy stands of green, lime, yellow and red on 36.
A few aspen are peaking at Aspen Grove in the Eagle Lake Recreation Area, west of Susanville, though aspen and bigleaf maple along the Susan River have a week to two to go. The banks of the Susan River are full of color, at peak, and the river is worth being added to a trip that explores Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic NP.
- Susanville (4,186′) – Just Starting (0-10%)
- Aspen Grove, Eagle Lake Recreation Area (5,100′) – Patchy (10-50%)
- Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic NP (5,900′) – Patchy (10-50%)