Explore Lassen Volcanic National Park

Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes

Terrace Lake Trail

To Terrace Lake is 1 mile round trip; to Shadow Lake is 1.6 miles round trip; to Cliff Lake is 3.4 miles round trip with 600-foot elevation gain.

Lassen’s lakes are many, but often they challenge the day hiker by virtue of their distance from a trailhead. Sometimes these lakes, beautiful though they may be, dash the would-be swimmer’s expectations because “beach” access is poor or non-existent, and shallow waters are filled with snags.

In contrast to these hard-to-reach lakes, this trio of lovely lakes—-Terrace, Shadow and Cliff—-are easy to access and enjoyable for a swim. Enjoyable, that is, about mid-summer when the water warms sufficiently for a pleasant dip.

The lakes were named by someone with a good geographical awareness because they reflect the lay of the land—and water. Long and skinny Terrace Lake is perched on a rock terrace. The “cliff” of Cliff Lake is really a very steep side of Reading Peak, which seems to rise right from water’s edge.

Roundish Shadow Lake does receive its share of shadows. Of course, just about every other lake gets shadows, too, but Shadow Lake captures a big one: mighty Lassen Peak reflects upon its deep blue surface. A photo opportunity, indeed.

Directions to trailhead: From the park’s Southwest Entry Station, follow Highway 89 north for 9 miles to the signed parking area on the left (north) side of the road.

The hike: The path descends 0.25-mile over a wooded slope to a junction. A trail heads downhill (north) toward Paradise Meadows but you turn east (right) and drop another 0.25-mile to Terrace Lake.

The path skirts Terrace’s south shore and you’ll soon get a peek at, then descend to, Shadow Lake. After meandering Shadow’s southeast shore, the path descends to cross a creek, passes a couple small ponds, then forks. Take the right spur trail 0.25 mile to its end at Cliff Lake. At least as scenic as the lake’s cliffs is a little island, topped with fir and hemlock.