Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes

Starting from the trailhead near Lake Helen along the main park road, you'll climb through an open volcanic landscape that feels more like the surface of another planet than Northern California. The trail wastes no time gaining elevation through exposed terrain dotted with stunted conifers and wildflower meadows before splitting toward three distinct alpine lakes tucked into cirques carved by ancient glaciers. Terrace Lake comes first — a brilliant turquoise pool perched on a rocky shelf. Shadow Lake sits darker and more brooding beneath steep walls, while Cliff Lake rewards the final push with the most dramatic setting of the three, framed by jagged volcanic cliffs. Lingering snow patches can make route-finding tricky into midsummer. The moderate-strenuous rating is honest: this is a short trail that punches above its weight in elevation change. Photographers and lake baggers who want three alpine gems without an all-day death march will be in their element.