Are dogs allowed on Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop?

No, dogs are not permitted on Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop. This is typical in many national parks and wildlife refuges — check for a nearby dog-friendly alternative.

Do I need a permit to hike Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop?

No, Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop?

Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop is rated expert. It is 20.3 miles long with 3,757 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop

ExpertLoop

Lassen Volcanic National Park/California

Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop

McArthur, California

20.3 mi

Distance

3,757 ft

Elev. Gain

8h 8m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Expert

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Cinder Cone loop trail is a moderately-trafficked loop trail that combines the best of the Cluster Lakes loop trail. It's best traveled in June to October. It makes a great backpacking trip. It's easy since there's not much elevation gain. The distance may intimidate some. It is important to stay on the trail when near the cinder cone and fields. The cinder cone is the most difficult part of the hike.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:1,865 ft

Max:2,242 ft

1,145 ft

Trail Details

No dogs
Kid-friendly

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:530-595-6100
Address:38050 Highway 36 East, Park Headquarters · Mineral, CA · 96063

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Hunt context

This trail crosses hunting units

During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page

Nearby Trails

More trails near Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Butte Lake, Cluster Lakes and Cinder Cone Loop

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

This trail crosses hunting units

Nearby Trails

Butte Lake to Snag Lake loop

Butte Lake-Snag Lake-Cinder Cone Loop

Butte Lake to Widow Lake

Prospect Peak Trail

Bathtub Lake Trail

Lower Twin and Snag Lakes Loop Trail

Other trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Kings Creek Falls Trail

Bumpass Hell Trail

Brokeoff Mountain Trail

Mill Creek Falls Trail

Chaos Crags Trail

Cold Boiling Lake Trail to Bumpass Hell Trail

Campgrounds near this trail

Butte Lake Campground

Butte Lake Group

Butte Creek Campground

Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping

Summit Lake Stock Corral

Juniper Lake - Group Sites

Similar trails in California

Half Dome

Mount Tallac Trail

Mount Whitney Trail

Mount Baldy via Devil's Backbone Trail

Skyline Drive to Beek's Place

Sitton Peak Truck Trail