Willow Lake hike

We hiked along the shoreline path around Willow Lake to enter Lassen National Park to find the elusive Thermal Geysers. To our surprise, the path beyond the lake was difficult to navigate with body-high vegetation and swamp-like mud. We continued for about one mile until we lost the trail over the springs crossing. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we celebrated with our picnic lunch. With full stomachs, we headed back only to have Theresa spot the trail head as she scanned the tree line while standing high a top a fallen cedar tree. We followed the trail markers up a hillside, but the kids' attention was starting to wane quickly after lunch. I put Alex on my shoulders and headed further up the mountain only to tire-out before reaching the summit. So, another attempt to find the geysers in the books with no actual find. However, now, we know where to find the trail head after the springs crossing.

The crew heading back to the truck on the other side of the lake.



All thumbs up!



Willow Lake was filled to the brim. The vegetation still vibrant green and yellow.



The kids stopped to play in the lake. It gave everyone a break after 3.5 miles.