🌲 Juniper Lake: A Hidden Gem in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Mai Smith-Trau
- Sep 15, 2025
- 4 min read
Sometimes a lake feels like a secret gift from nature—and Juniper Lake is one of those places. My family and I try to visit every year, but life (and wildfires) has made that a little harder recently. If you follow my blog, you know I often talk about the devastation caused by the Dixie Fire in 2021. Sadly, Juniper Lake wasn’t spared.
Located within Lassen Volcanic National Park, Juniper Lake is not accessible from the park’s two main entrances. Instead, you’ll have to do a little adventuring to get there—which only adds to its charm.
Juniper Lake is best accessed from Chester, CA, a small mountain town with some great eats and camping options nearby. There is a park entrance fee to access the area. As of 2025, camping at Juniper Lake is still closed due to ongoing fire recovery efforts, but the goal is to reopen it for the 2026 season.
Approximate driving distances to Juniper Lake:
🚙 From Reno, NV: ~110 miles / ~2.5 hours
🚙 From Chico, CA: ~75 miles / ~1.5 hours
🚙 From Sacramento, CA: ~170 miles / ~3.5 hours
When we first tried to visit after the fire, the park was still closed, and we found ourselves off-roading in my Bronco, creeks flowing over the road, and laughing as we had to turn back. We ended up at nearby Lake Almanor instead, so the day wasn’t a total bust.
🚗 Getting There & Park Details
Juniper Lake is best accessed from Chester, CA, a small mountain town with some great eats and camping options nearby. There is a park entrance fee to access the area. As of 2025, camping at Juniper Lake is still closed due to ongoing fire recovery efforts, but the goal is to reopen it for the 2026 season.
When we first tried to visit after the fire, the park was still closed, and we found ourselves off-roading in my Bronco, creeks flowing over the road, and laughing as we had to turn back. We ended up at nearby Lake Almanor instead, so the day wasn’t a total bust.
Fast forward to August 2025—Juniper Lake finally reopened for day use! I was so excited, it was all I talked about for a week. My kids decided to ditch us, so my husband and I got a peaceful lake day just the two of us.
🧺 Packing for the Day
We loaded up our Yeti coolers with snacks and fried chicken, brought along my new Stanley cup (a surprise favorite), and strapped the paddleboards to the Bronco. We decided to leave the dogs home this time since National Parks limit where they can go on trails, and we weren’t sure what to expect.
The road had been graded since our last visit—less of a 4x4 adventure, but still beautiful. As we drove in, we couldn’t help but notice the scars of the Dixie Fire. Charred tree trunks lined the road, with piles of cut logs showing just how much recovery work is still happening.
When we finally crested the ridge, the view took my breath away. Before the fire, thick forest blocked most of the lake from view, but now its turquoise waters spread out before us, framed by Lassen’s rugged peaks.
🌊 A Perfect Paddleboarding Paradise
We set up for the day (and by “we,” I mean my husband—he insists I just get in the way) and launched the paddleboards. The lake was crystal clear, cold but refreshing, with shallow areas near shore perfect for wading and soaking up the sun. We shared the beach with only one other family all day—pure bliss.
🥾 Hiking Around Juniper Lake
If you’re a hiker, this is your paradise. We grabbed a local map and found dozens of trails to explore:
Horseshoe Lake Trail: 0.5 miles
Snag Lake Loop: 6.9 miles (connects from Horseshoe Lake Trail)
Butte Lake Loop: 19.7 miles
Mount Harkness Loop: 5.4 miles
Cinder Cone & Red Cinders Loop: 22.7 miles
Inspiration Point Trail: 1.5 miles
Indian Lake Loop: 6.4 miles
Check AllTrails.com for more hikes in the area. Remember, since this is a National Park, only service dogs are allowed on trails, but pets are allowed at the lake itself.
🛶 Why Juniper Lake Should Be on Your List
Whether you love hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing on a quiet beach, Juniper Lake is a true hidden gem. With picnic tables, a bathroom, and trash cans available, it’s also one of the more convenient wild destinations.
The fire damage is heartbreaking, but it also opens up breathtaking views that weren’t visible before. Watching the forest recover year by year makes this place even more special.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful escape in Lassen Volcanic National Park, plan a trip to Juniper Lake. You won’t regret it.
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