California · Hiking

Lake Almanor Recreation Trail

Lake Almanor Recreation TrailPhoto: ilya_ktsn, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
14.5 mi
round trip
350 ft
climb
4,686 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct
best months

Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is a 14.5-mile out-and-back route on a paved path in Lassen National Forest, in northeastern California. The trail climbs from about 4,511 feet to about 4,686 feet, a total gain of 350 feet, and is managed by the Forest Service. Bicycles are allowed, while horses are not. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from the nearby Chester weather station show highs around 67°F in May and 79°F in September, with July peaking near 86°F. The station sits at about 4,530 feet, so temperatures on the trail run a little higher. The trail is open from May 1 to December 1, and the Lk Alm Trail North Trailhead is the starting point. Campers have several options within a couple of miles, including Almanor Group Campsite, Almanor Legacy Campground and Almanor North and South Campgrounds. Paddlers can reach the North Fork Feather River about 1.8 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Apr–Jun, Aug–Oct

    Best time to visit Lake Almanor Recreation Trail

    Best months: April–June and August–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 22°

      12 wet · 5 snow

    2. Feb

      46° / 23°

      11 wet · 4 snow

    3. Mar

      51° / 26°

      11 wet · 3 snow

    4. Apr

      57° / 30°

      9 wet · 1 snow

    5. May

      67° / 37°

      7 wet

    6. Jun

      77° / 43°

      4 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 48°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      85° / 46°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      79° / 41°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      66° / 33°

      5 wet

    11. Nov

      51° / 26°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    12. Dec

      41° / 22°

      12 wet · 4 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Chester, CA, 5.5 mi away at 4,530 ft. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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Almanor CrossPhoto: donjd2, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)

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