Painted Dunes Cinder Cone Trail Lassen Volcanic Nationalвђ It is also popular, though not alongside the main park road. painted dunes are one feature of this trail. this shot is taken from the top of the cinder cone, erupted couple hundred years ago. i feel volcanic landscape most special when some plants try to colonize this kind of soil. this is also a good example that life finds a way. For ever step you take, you loose 6 inches. the trail is steep. take your time and enjoy the views of lassen to the west and the unfolding views of the painted dunes and lava flows that surround the cone. i didn't do the summit on this trip because the south side where the trail ascends was still snow covered.
Lassen Volcanic National Park Cinder Cone Lassen volcanic national park has the painted dunes, which should be seen from the top of the cinder cone trail for full effect. created from pumice and ash that fell upon hot lava to oxidize into these eye grabbing colors, the painted dunes are just part of an amazing vista that greets the intrepid hiker after a final 200 feet workout over. The sandy trail climbs gently at first, bordered by woodlands on the right and cinder cone's lava flow known as the fantastic lava beds on the left. the trail steepens as cinder cone comes into view. at 1.2 miles, the trail reaches a fork at the base of cinder cone. look to your left (south) here for the first views of the colorful painted dunes. Lassen peak comes into view as the trail slowly circles around to the south side of the cone. the summit affords panoramic views in all directions. prospect peak, lassen peak, snag lake, the fantastic lava beds and the painted dunes are all clearly visible. an additional trail continues down into the crater of cinder cone. How to visit the painted dunes. the butte lake campground is about a 45 minute drive from the northwest entrance of the park. from the trailhead, follow the hiking trail southwest towards the cinder cone, where you will be rewarded with the best views of the painted dunes. the butte lake parking area can be found just off of butte lake road.
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