Summit Lake to Cluster/Twin Lakes Loop
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
Fallen trees from the Dixie Fire create overhead and underfoot hazards throughout the loop — watch for unstable snags (standing dead trees) that can topple without warning, especially on windy days. Give them a wide berth.
Mosquitoes in the lake basins can be absolutely brutal from snowmelt through mid-August. A head net and permethrin-treated clothing aren't overkill here — they're survival gear.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Summit Lake North trailhead for better parking and easier access to the loop's most scenic segments — the south lot fills up with campers and day-use swimmers by mid-morning.
Carry a GPS track or detailed topo map; the Dixie Fire blowdowns have obscured trail junctions in several spots, and the NPS trail crew may not have cleared every section by the time you visit. AllTrails and CalTopo both have recent user tracks worth downloading.
The Cluster Lakes make a better lunch stop than Twin Lakes — you'll find flat rock slabs along the eastern shore with unobstructed views of Lassen Peak, and the wind tends to keep the mosquitoes at bay up there.
