Mt. Harkness Trail

Hang out at an active fire lookout at the top of Mt. Harkness.

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Mt. Harkness Trail Details

Climb to an active fire lookout through wooded and open forest. The trail starts with switchbacks and slowly steepens before the woods open up, then thicken again. Traverse a steep slope before encountering more switchbacks over craggy rocks. There are great vistas of Lassen Peak here. At 1.7 miles, the trail splits with the Warner Valley Trail and the Juniper Lake Trail. Take a left to summit the peak of Mt. Harkness. The last section of the trail switchbacks up a cinder cone volcano until reaching the lookout. Park staff work up here in the summer, and though it is an active lookout, visitors and hikers are encouraged to pop in and say hi. The peak offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding area, and on a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as Nevada, or spot the Three Sisters mountains in Oregon, to the north. Park at the north side of the Juniper Lake Ranger Station to get to the trailhead for Mt. Harkness, and follow the signs for Mt. Harkness Trail parking. Note that there is no potable water here, so be sure to fill up beforehand.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

3.8 miles

Estimated time

3 hours

Region

N/A