❄️ From Snowpack to Paddleboards: Our Baby Crater Comeback 🛶
- Mai Smith-Trau
- Aug 9
- 2 min read
Some days, travel just doesn’t go according to plan.Take March 9, 2025—a prime example of “Mother Nature said nope.”
My husband and I decided to explore this little-known lake nearby. It’s small, often overlooked, and totally perfect for fishing, paddleboarding, or floating around while pretending adulthood isn’t a thing. I had my camera ready. I was pumped to capture this hidden gem in all its glory.
But then—BAM. Enter: SNOWPACK. ❄️Winter showed up like an uninvited guest who refuses to leave, piling snow across the road like a passive-aggressive “Closed” sign. We couldn’t even get close, unless we were planning on snowshoeing our way in. (Spoiler: we were not.)
Fast-forward to July 26, 2025:🌞 The snow’s finally gone. We packed the pups, paddleboards, and snacks, and made our glorious return to what I now call Baby Crater Lake (not its real name, but it fits).
Located about 30 minutes from Lassen Volcanic National Park and 40 minutes from Susanville, this hidden oasis is a dream—once you survive the 7-mile dirt road into it. Let’s just say… that road has personality. It’s bumpy, narrow, and looks like it’s been ghosted by maintenance since the '90s. But whether you’ve got a 1980s Honda or a 2025 Dually, you can make it with some grit and maybe a little praying. 🙃
🏕️ Camping Deets:
Around 10 campsites—tents and RVs welcome (but only 1-2 spots will fit big rigs like our 28' bumper pull)
Each site comes with a table, fire pit, and wood (bless 🙌)
Day-use area fits ~5 vehicles
No hookups, no showers, but vault toilets are available
Just $10/night — yep, you heard me. Ten. Dollars.
🚫 No Motors Allowed (And That’s a Good Thing)
This lake is all about peace and quiet.No motorboats, just kayaks, paddleboards, and awkward balancing acts.Fishing? Technically allowed, but we think it’s snowmelt-fed with no real water source, so... fish may or may not exist. My son tried. He caught air. 🎣😂
🌲 Hikes + Vibes:
One main loop trail around the lake
A few side trails that take you to the other shore
Some bonus trails off the main road if you're feeling brave
A small beachy area to chill, snack, and soak up the serenity
🎒 Final Thoughts:
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I bring friends, snacks, and a good playlist? You bet. Would I recommend it to anyone who loves hidden lakes, ghost stories, and $10 nights under the stars? Heck yes.
So if you're looking for a chill place to park it with the fam (fur babies included), paddle around, and tell spooky stories by the fire… Baby Crater’s calling. You just have to survive the road in. And maybe bring a shovel—just in case March shows up again. 😉
#BabyCraterLake #HiddenGemsOnly #PugalooAdventures #SnowPackedDrama #GenXGoesCamping #NoHookupsNoProblem #BudgetCampingWin #LassenAdventures
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