Butte Lake Day Use Area sits in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, reached by a six-mile dirt road off Highway 44. The lake's north shore looks out on the Fantastic Lava Beds, Cinder Cone, and Prospect Peak.
Details
- Type
- Lake
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
Overview
The day use area occupies the western tip of Butte Lake. Its northern shoreline gives views of the Fantastic Lava Beds, the lava flow tied to Cinder Cone, along with Cinder Cone itself and Prospect Peak. The six-mile gravel access road is passable by passenger vehicles, though parking for RVs and trailers is limited and there is no cell service.
On the Water
A non-motorized boat launch is located at the southwest end of the parking area. Butte Lake is often warmer than other high-elevation lakes in the park, which makes it more suitable for swimming. Rainbow trout can be caught from shore and from non-motorized boats.
Know Before You Go
Three marked trailheads serve the area: Cinder Cone, Bathtub Lake, and Snag Lake. Facilities include picnic tables with charcoal grills, flush and vault toilets, and drinking water when the adjacent campground is operating. Free backpacking permits are available by self-registration at the Butte Lake Ranger Station. The area is generally open May through November, and an entrance fee or pass is required.