Juniper Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park

From the start of the Juniper Lake sign in Chester (you can go to Warner Valley and Drakesbad to the left and Juniper Lake to the right of the fork) it took 40 minutes to drive the 13 miles out to the the parking lot next to the beach area. I have an Outback, so the road was not a big deal, but it is a little rough. Worth the drive. I have an SUP, and the wind was about 8mph that day, so I took it out for about an hour and a half. This lake is so special. Not too cold that day, amazing swimming area, not a plant or a fish to be seen in any of the areas I swam or paddled. I hiked up Mt. Harkness before I paddled, that's where I took the photo. Strenuous hike, but worth it. There are a few other easy hikes with trailheads right by the parking area of the beach. There are bears, so be alert. Get a Lassen National Park pass online before you go if you don't have one already.

Alright, I hope I don't regret this post. Juniper lake is gorgeous. Trailer access is ill advised as the road going in has some narrow points and switchbacks, it is also not paved, but well maintained. The campground is nice. 12 bucks to camp, room for two vehicles. Most or all of the sites were shaded, and I saw probably 6 lake front campsites, all nice looking. The hike around the lake is 6 miles or so, there is a short hike up to crystal lake, which was gorgeous and very quiet for a California park. No Motorized vehicles allowed on the lake, but kayaks and canoes and paddle boards were present.

This was beautiful, but it completely burned over during the 2021 Dixie fire. Only time will tell what it looks like in the future.

Crystal clear water, relaxing time. Be ready for the off road pavement ))

Nice place to go kayaking. Very quiet and beautiful.