Prospect Peak
Photos Maps Summary: This hike is all about the destination and solitude on top of Lassen's third-highest peak. Not that the scenery during the climb is bad, but once you leave the trees behind a vast view opens up including two of the most famous California Volcanoes--Lassen Peak and Mt Shasta. You can see virtually all of Lassen Volcanic National Park too with the Fantastic Lava Beds and Cinder Cone below to the southeast from this largely vacant corner of the park. Pair this hike with the much more popular one to Cinder Cone for a great outing in the park. However, be prepared for some elevation gain and dry conditions.Distance: 7.20 miles round-tripElevation Gain/Loss: 2,285' totalSeason: June through OctoberFees & Permits: None (other than the park entrance fee)Finding the Trailhead: 40.56380 N, 121.30218 W (Butte Lake Trailhead). From the CA-44/89 intersection north of Lassen Volcanic National Park, follow CA-44 to the southeast for ~11.0 miles before turning right at the Butte Lake Campground sign. Follow the road for ~6.6 miles, paying the entrance fee along the way. From here, you can turn right and reach the trailhead where there are a few parking spaces or you can continue straight, park along the loop, and walk to the trailhead.
The Hike: From the trailhead head southwest along the Cinder Cone Trail at the northern edge of the Fantastic Lava Beds. After ~0.4 miles the junction with the Prospect Peak Trail is reached. Turn right here and follow the largely unused but maintained trail slightly uphill to the west. Look for Woodland Star and Blue-eyed Mary blooming alongside the trail as you climb through the somewhat sparse trees. At ~0.9 miles the wilderness boundary is reached as the trail begins to steepen some. Pass by stands of pines then firs as the trail winds its way up to the west and west-northwest. The trail will eventually turn to the west-southwest before switchbacking to the northeast and then again to the west. This second switchback (~3.2 miles) is one of the steepest switchbacks we've seen. The trail then climbs out of the trees just below the southern rim of Prospect Peak to the western rim where there is the first fantastic view of Lassen Peak to the southwest. Continue following the trail to the north and north-northeast from the west rim to the north rim and summit of Prospect Peak (~3.6 miles). Along the way catch a few glimpses of Mt Shasta to the northwest. Look for the summit marker on the north rim before descending a little to the north for clear, open views of Lassen Peak and Mt Shasta along the volcanic slopes.
After enjoying the views from the summit, follow the trail back to the west rim and find a small use-trail that branches off to the south and stays above the main trail. Follow this use-trail to the southwest rim for nice views of Butte Lake to the east-southeast and Fantastic Lava Beds, Cinder Cone, and Snag Lake to the southeast. Look for Mountain Chickadees flying between the bleached branches. Once back on the main trail, follow your steps back to the trailhead or turn right onto the Cinder Cone Trail to check Cinder Cone out. If you decide to continue on to Cinder Cone be aware that the climb to the top is very sandy and steep. You'll need to be well hydrated.
