Summit Lake: Swimming and Paddling in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Looking for more information about Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Check out my Lassen Volcanic National Park Guide!
For great hikes, try the trails to Kings Creek Falls, Bumpass Hell, and Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes.

SWIM

Summit Lake is a small, sheltered lake with cool, blueish-greenish water. Since motorized boats aren’t allowed, it’s a peaceful spot for swimming. The lake bottom near the day use area is sandy, with clear water, but as you move into deeper water, it can be weedy. Fortunately, the shallow, sandy area is fairly large, creating a great place for kids to swim and play.

PADDLE

Summit Lake’s small size, not to mention lack of motorized boats, make it a great spot to just relax and hang out on the water. Slowly circumnavigate the lake, or bring out whatever inflatables you have to enjoy a laid back hour or two on the water. Please note that boats are not available for rent at Summit Lake, so bring your own.

GOOD TO KNOW

• Because Summit Lake is within Lassen Volcanic National Park, you need a valid National Parks Pass, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, or you can pay the $30 entrance fee. It’s well worth purchasing a pass if you plan to visit other national parks or monuments, or do much hiking in national forest lands. The standard annual pass costs $80. Check to see if you qualify for a free or less expensive pass. For example, fourth graders can get a free pass to use together with their families. Seniors can purchase a one-time lifelong pass.
• Vault toilets and drinking water are available.
• A shaded picnic area is located along the shore.
• Parking spots are limited, so can fill up on weekends.
• The day use area is adjacent to the Summit Lake North Campground, and those staying at the campground have easy access to the lake.
• No motorized boats of any kind are allowed on Summit Lake, or elsewhere in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
• Because of its high elevation, the road to Summit Lake is closed due to snow much of the year. Depending on snowmelt, Lassen Peak Highway usually opens sometime in June and closes again when snow starts to accumulate in the fall. Please check the Lassen Volcanic National Park webpage for current information.

HIGHLIGHTS

Small and charming, Summit Lake offers a mountain lake experience in Lassen that doesn’t involve hiking, making it an especially good option for those with limited time or mobility. Located right off Lassen Peak Highway, it’s a great place to stop and take a break.

THE KIDS’ TAKE

The kids had a fantastic time “paddle boarding” and splashing around in Summit Lake. If you’re staying at Lassen Volcanic National Park, it’s the perfect, easily accessible spot for a picnic and play time in the water, ideal for families and kids.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE

Since Summit Lake lies within Lassen Volcanic National Park, there is no shortage of places to explore! Summit Lake makes a great lunch stop as you journey through the park, or an excellent place to unwind after a day hike. Take a hike to Kings Creek Falls, Bumpass Hell, or Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes (which also offer wonderful swimming opportunities).

For a great home base, campers can stay overnight at Manzanita Lake Campground. Near the shores of Manzanita Lake, the campground offers more great options for swimming, paddling, and hiking. Even if you’re just driving through, be sure to stop for a delicious cone of soft serve.

After an exhilarating hike to Kings Creek Falls, we stopped by Summit Lake with no agenda other to enjoy some time on (or in) the water. We snagged one of the few open parking spots, then started unloading. Michael and the boys planned to swim, while I determined to take out one of the kayaks for a spin. On our last paddle stop at Spring Creek near Klamath Falls, we had sadly discovered that the kayaks were leaking. Fortunately, one of the boats appeared to have only a very small leak; I wasn’t too concerned about taking it out again.

You will not be surprised to learn that the leak was no longer small. Our kayaks have a double layer of PVC and canvass, so I unzipped the outer layer to seek out the problem. Sure enough, there was a split along the seam at the top of the pontoon. Well, that decided it. I was not going paddling today, or any other day, for the rest of this trip. Both of our kayaks were out of commission.

As an aside, I had purchased the kayaks earlier this summer from REI, and I’d like to send out a big thank you to REI for their easy and generous return policies. After we returned home to Seattle, I returned both Advanced Elements Elite kayaks for a full refund. As my dad said, it gave me the opportunity to try out the boats for a season and get my money back. So true! Thanks again, REI, for being awesome! I hope to get new kayaks soon, but not from Advanced Elements. For now, kayaking was out, but paddle boarding was in.

“Mom, can I use the bottom of the kayak as a paddle board?” J asked.

I looked at the removable dropstitch floor in the kayak. It wasn’t dissimilar from a paddle board. The dropstitch technology is the same technique used for inflatable paddle boards, as it creates a stiff, taut surface.

“Sure, why not?” I shrugged. We might as well get some last fun out of the boats.

Soon the boys were giggling uncontrollably as they attempted to paddle the kayak floor into the lake. It wasn’t nearly as large or stable as an actual paddle board, but they managed to find the right balance to stay afloat, J on one end and T on the other. It was J who did the most paddling (in fact, we don’t even let T have his own paddle, as we’re afraid he’ll lose it), and it was hard work. Eventually, he gave up and decided to swim while pushing the board. T alternated between shrieks of delight and fear, desperate not to fall of the board despite the fact he was wearing a life jacket.

Michael, meanwhile, swam to the opposite side of the lake. I headed out, following the kids on their makeshift paddle board. Near shore, I waded through the large sandy, shallow area before the water deepened enough for easy swimming. Unfortunately, as the water deepened, I felt pond weeds wafting around my feet. Although it wasn’t too weedy compared with many ponds, I was still eager to get back to the weed-free zone. I convinced T to stay near me, while J took the paddle board out for a short spin on his own.

Back on land, we took a snack break before packing up to go. Since our campground at Manzanita Lake was shrouded in smoke, I appreciated the blue skies overhead, and the way the water danced in the sunlight. Even with leaky kayaks, our time at Summit Lake was a great success.