Kayaking Lassen's Butte Lake
Butte Lake offers a juxtaposition of classic Northern California forest with rocky volcanic coastline
Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park
Curious about geology? Have you ever wanted to explore volcanic rubble and hydrothermal landscapes at recently active volcanoes? If so, a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park could be right up your ally. These peaks last erupted in 1914-1917 and, only 100 years later, the landscape is healing nicely.
You’ll find plenty of piles of igneous rock, gaping calderas, and pools that smell like your hard-boiled breakfast. And, at the end of the day, you’ll pop your tent under a Lodgepole Pine in a campground that feels like it could be just about anywhere in Northern California.
To enhance your Lassen trip and catch a unique perspective, bring your kayak or SUP.
To access this paddle, head for the dirt road entrance at the Northeast corner of the park. You’ll reach the Butte Lake boat camp just beyond the campground and can unload at a dirt beach right at the water’s edge.
Your Lassen Paddle
As you enter this L-shaped lake and push away from shore, the coast to your left will feel like a healthy, undeveloped forest of pines and shrubs. There’s no hiking trail here, and beyond the first few hundreds meters you’re likely to see more deer than humans.
Look to your right, and you’ll get a feel for Butte’s volcanic surrounds. The nearby Cinder Cone Volcano will soon come into view. You’ll know it immediately, as its graveled and sandy, perfectly even 600-foot slopes appear to give life to…nothing.
When the Cinder Cone last erupted, it left behind jumbles of dark basaltic rocks, the Fantastic Lava Beds now lining the lake’s edge on your right.
It’s the rubble I’m drawn to.
Paddling away from the pines at left, I headed towards the piles of broken magma. I discovered inlets. Some passages wrapped back around to the main lake area, while others quickly dead-ended in algae-coated corners. As I looked closer into this zone, I spotted not only algae and mosses, but mature trees popping right out of the rocks. Ducks were diving along the shore and hawk soared above — I was reminded how quickly the forest rebounds.
And, sitting in my kayak out in the water, I could see it all so clearly.
The lake is clear and reflective, with a hint of green. There are no human noises, just the songs of birds and a few deer rustling amongst the leaves.
On this weekday in August, I found myself nearly alone on the lake, sharing it only with one couple on their SUPs. You’ll have plenty of opportunities for solitude when you break along its shores.
What Butte Lake lacks in white sandy beaches, it more than makes up for in geologic drama. Lassen Volcanic National Park is special to me because of the opportunity to paddle, hike, and explore a primordial environment. It’s a wonder more visitors don’t make it to this corner of the state – I encourage you to be one of the few.
Note: Lassen Volcanic National Park was heavily impacted by the Dixie Fire in 2021. Inquire locally prior to visiting.
Recommendations for Kayaking Lassen
Kayak Rentals
Bring your own kayak or SUP to Butte Lake. Rentals are not available.
Lassen Volcanic Camping
Butte Lake offers some of the best camping in Lassen Volcanic National Park. These sites feel more spread out than at campgrounds along the scenic drive and there’s plenty to do within walking distance of camp. Additional last-minute options are available in the surrounding National Forest.
Kayaking with Kids
Bring your family. Butte Lake is a fun paddle that doubles as a geology lesson.
When to Go
Summer to early fall. In this northern corner of the state, it takes longer than you’d expect for the snows to melt off. The dirt access road is closed in winter, but is passable even with 2WD vehicles the rest of the year. Check conditions before you go.
Build Your Lassen Weekend
Hike to the top of the Cinder Cone volcano and, if you have energy, continue on to Snag Lake. Or, head over to the more developed area of the park to check out Bumpass Hell’s hydrothermal areas and Mt Lassen’s expansive views. While you’re in the neighborhood, the caves of Lava Tubes National Monument deserve your exploration. Manzanita Lake offers a second opportunity to paddle.
What's Next?
Continue your national park paddling at Yosemite’s Tenaya Lake or observe more geologic drama at Lake Tahoe’s only hotsprings. For more Northern California tranquility, settle into lakeside camping at Gold Lake.
