Volcano Lake

As a pristine high-mountain lake, Volcano Lake offers one of the best backdrop-views of Sierra Buttes – especially, given the fairly easy access. Above the popular hub of Sardine Lakes and the Lodge within Lakes Basin, Volcano Lake still lies somewhat off the beaten path. Compared to the unmatchable, dramatic view of the Buttes from Lower Sardine Lake, the forested setting for this little lake offers one of the most scenic photo opportunities in Lakes Basin. Inspiring. The walk-in is modest and follows old roads all the way. Swimming is popular for rinsing off the hiker’s sweat, but its cold enough that few stay in it for long. In short, it’s one of my favorites.

...one of the best backdrop- views of Sierra Buttes...

 

Inspiring. ...one of my favorites.

 

DESCRIPTION:

1.4 miles, moderate, elevations: 5740’-6355’ a steady climb but modest gradient, 1 hour.

Volcano is a lake on private land, but public access has been permitted – please, respect owners’ property. Someone has placed a rickety, old picnic table at the end of the road, and a second, nicer one next to the lake shore a little before the outlet. At the road end, there are several places to camp, but all in the sun without shade and lying on the rocky, dozered road. Next to the second table, there are spots between the rocks and trees for a couple of small tents. Due to the easy access, most people just come in for the day, but sunrise on the Buttes behind the lake can make the perfect wake-up call to the rest of your life.

The lake lays in the headwaters of the North Yuba River with the nearest village of Bassetts a quick 5 minutes down the road and only 5 miles further downriver, Sierra City. Several lodges, bed and breakfasts and Forest Service campgrounds are in the immediate area.

Although the lake was stocked with Brookies in 2000, I have no recent data on the fishery. Fishing access: no bluffs along the lakeshore, but lots of trees that limit fly fishing without a float or wading.

The access road/trail offers little shade and can be hot. From the access road/trail there are nice views northeast to Haskell Peak hillsides and up Highway 49 including the suburbs of Bassetts. The far southern views stretch across Haypress Creek as far as English Mountain and even Mount Lola plus a peek at the upper ramparts of Castle Peak.

This trail location can be – and I recommend it – with Volcano Lake to make a great outing even better.

Directions: Access is via Gold Lake Road (S620). This scenic drive follows an excellent road from Highway 49 at Bassetts on the south continuing north to Highway 89 south of Graeagle. The road is not kept open winters; check in the spring and early winter for availability. From Bassetts or from Graeagle, approaches are equally good.

Drive north 1.4 miles from Bassetts on Gold Lake Road turn left (west) on Packer Lake Road and continue 0.3 mile to the “Y.” Left fork goes to Sardine Lake and right goes to Packer Lake and Saddle.

Access to this trail begins a few feet southeast of the “Y” junction. Follow an old road signed “Dead End Road 622-1” south. At the ford crossing of Sardine Creek, the road is signed “Vehicle Use Not Recommended.” Within a quarter mile, there are a couple of places to park: one shortly after the paved Packer Lake Road and another just before the old road crosses Sardine Creek. In the spring, the little creek will be deep enough you’ll probably want to cross it on the dead snag that crosses the stream just above the road.

The old road goes to the Mountain Mine another 1.4 miles past the Volcano Lake road/trail. To access Volcano Lake, follow up the road/trail until reaching the spur road access up the hill to the lake. First, shortly before the outlet stream crossing below Volcano Lake, a logging road switchbacks sharply to the right and ends in a few hundred feet Continue by it. The outlet stream is usually dry, but earlier in the year a small spring crosses the trail. The second road/trail is about ¼ mile from the first and about 1.1 miles from the parking at Sardine Creek. At the second and unsigned road turn right up the 4WD road/trail. Just above the main road, there is a green metal gate that has been pulled over. Switchback up the road/trail about 0.3 mile to the cleared spot at the end of the road above Volcano Lake

DIRECTIONS:

To Volcano Lake

Until we can make an adjustment, directions are included under Description above.

ACTIVITIES:

Fishing (Rating: Good)

Although the lake was stocked with Brookies in 2000, I have no recent data on the fishery. Fishing access: no bluffs along the lakeshore, but lots of trees that limit fly fishing without a float or wading.

Hiking - Dayhikes (Rating: Exceptional)

Difficulty: Moderate Time: Only an hour or so one-way.

At most, this only moderately difficult hike leads to a high-mountain lakes that offers one of the best backdrop-views of Sierra Buttes. Suitable for swimming and splashing if you like cold water.

Hiking - Backpacking (Rating: Exceptional)

Difficulty: Moderate Time: Only 1-2 hours one-way hike.

There is a terrific site, complete with a picnic table, next to the shore of the lake. Tucked between rocks and trees the cleared spots are good for only 1 or 2 small tents. A larger dozed clearing at the end of the road offers plenty of opens space – too open, little shade but lots of rocks. Still, there is a rickety old picnic table propped up with some boards. But the view is worth any discomfort.

The short length and modest gradient makes this destination suitable for families with mid-aged kids.

The lake lies on private land that has permitted public access. Respect their site.

NEARBY LOCATIONS:

Campgrounds

Communities

Trails

Winter