Plan Around Drake Lake Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Drake Lake Trail Details
The Drake Lake Trail is steep compared to some other hikes in Lassen, so be prepared to work your lungs and your legs. The scenic Drake Lake, which sits high above the Drakesbad Ranch and Warner Valley, is rarely visited, so expect peace and solitude. You'll begin your hike walking south along the PCT, and once you cross Hot Springs Creek and begin to ascend, you'll reach a junction for Devils Kitchen. Take a left here, and turn right at the next junction, just a few steps further to get onto the Drake Lake Trail. Expect to cross some marshy, wet areas, and you'll cross two small creeks. The trail will level out for three quarters of a mile before beginning to climb. Seven switchbacks will take you up a ridge and to the lake. To get to the trailhead, drive west from Chester on Chester Valley Road till reaching the Warner Valley Road (County Road 312). Turn right toward Drakesbad and Warner Valley and follow the Warner Valley Road 12 miles to the Pacific Crest Trailhead.
Difficulty
High
Distance
4 miles
Estimated time
4 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Drake Lake Trail
Compare nearby parks around Drake Lake Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Drake Lake Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Drake Lake Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Devil's Kitchen Trail
Explore Lassen's second largest hydrothermal area.
0.0 mi away
Dream Lake Basin Trail
A historic lake basin is the destination for this easy hike.
0.0 mi away
Terminal Geyser Trail
A longer hike to a giant fumarole.
0.2 mi away
Warner Valley Campground
A smaller campground located one mile north of the Warner Valley Ranger Station.
0.2 mi away
Boiling Springs Lake Trail
A .8-mile hike to one of the biggest hot lakes in the world.
