Lassen Volcanic National Park

Bathtub Lake Loop

moderate FamiliesNature StudyShort Day Hikes
2 mi Distance
Varies Estimated Time
loop Trail Type

What to Expect

This two-mile loop eases you into Lassen's volcanic backcountry without demanding a full day's commitment. The trail rolls through a landscape still wearing the scars of the 2021 Dixie Fire — charred snags standing like sentinels among the recovering meadows and young growth pushing through ashy soil. It's mostly sun-exposed, so you'll feel every degree of that mountain sun as you wind toward Bathtub Lake, a modest but photogenic alpine pool tucked into the terrain. The loop format means no retracing your steps, and the moderate rating comes more from rocky footing and a few short climbs than sustained elevation gain. Kids with some trail experience will handle it fine, and the fire-scarred scenery actually makes for a surprisingly powerful teaching moment about forest resilience. Best suited for families wanting a real hike without the epic mileage, and anyone curious about what wildfire recovery looks like up close.
FamiliesNature StudyShort Day HikesFire EcologyLoop Trail Fans

Safety Advisory

Fire-damaged trees (snags) can drop limbs or topple without warning, especially on windy days. Stay alert and avoid lingering directly beneath standing dead trees.

No reliable water sources on the trail and full sun exposure make dehydration a real risk — carry at least a liter per person even for this short loop.

Trail Details

Distance 2 miles round-trip
Difficulty moderate
Estimated Time Varies
Trail Type loop
Pets Not allowed
Season Year-round
Trailhead Bathtub Lake Loop

Pro Tips

Trail Tip

Start by mid-morning — the trail is almost entirely exposed, and afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast during July and August. You want to be finishing up, not heading out, by early afternoon.

Trail Tip

Bring more sun protection than you think you need. With the Dixie Fire having stripped most of the canopy, there's almost no shade for the entire loop. A lightweight sun hoodie beats sunscreen reapplication on a sweaty hike.

Trail Tip

Walk the loop counterclockwise for the best payoff — you'll hit the lake views sooner and save the gentler descent through the recovering burn zone for the return, which is when tired kids appreciate an easier path.

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10 campgrounds, 80 trails, 358K annual visitors

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