Lake Helen & Lassen Peak

00:00     Title
00:14     Battle Creek Campground-Lassen National Forest
06:13     Sulphur Works
15:13     Emerald Lake
16:09     Bumpass Hell Overlook
19:10     Lake Helen & Lassen Peak
22:42     Kings Creek & Summit Lake
26:56     Devastated Area
28:21     Manzanita Lake
31:05     Fin​

Lake Helen is located next to Lassen Peak and this picturesque alpine body of water certainly does provide all the inspiration needed for hiking to the top of this gigantic volcano. This lake is most famous for boasting majestic views of the reflection of Lassen Peak on the water, which naturally has a way of luring landscape artists worldwide. The best time to catch a clear reflection of the volcanic peak at Lake Helen is early in the morning while the water is dead calm before the warmth of the sun strikes up a breeze. Getting an early start will also place a visitor in a good position to hike to the top of Mt Lassen, which certainly is a fulfilling accomplishment that will provide fond memories that last a lifetime.

Spending some time at Lake Helen is a good way to allow the body to adjust to the high elevations, before starting the strenuous hike up Lassen Peak. By taking it easy for an hour while snacking and hydrating, the body will be better in tune with the thin air conditions. Taking things a little slower above 8,000 feet will also ensure that the effects oxygen depletion will be less severe, so it is best to cast aside any urge to set a new world speed record on the trail. The 2.5 mile ascent to the top is moderately steep and there is no climbing involved. As a plus, the trek back to the base trailhead is a very easy downhill run, which is a nice reward for the strenuous ascent.

As can be seen in the photos, the smoke from the 2020 wildfire season was just starting to become thick while I was at Helen Lake and Lassen Peak. In fact, by the time I exited Lassen Volcanic National Park a little later that morning, Mt Lassen could not even be seen through the billowing smoke clouds. Needless to say, high elevation hiking is a no-no in smokey conditions. Capturing a memorable landscape photo of the reflections on Helen Lake was also an impossible dream due to the smokey sky. Even so, the smokey images certainly do show how quickly the conditions can change during the wildfire season.