July 29 - Terrace and Shadow Lakes (Lassen Natl Park - Part 2)

Heading to Terrace Lakes TH, this is the BEST view in the whole park:

Not to far up the road is the pull-off for the Lakes. There's a single car there when I arrive arrive 9:30'sh. This is a 3.4 RT with 700 ft of elevation change. And unfortunately, the climb is on the way (AGAIN!).

I start down the trail thru an unburned forest. The trail can be hard to follow but with the help of AllTrails, I'm finding my way. Terrace Lakes in 1/2 mile downhill. I pass some snow piles on the way down. Some of the trail is pretty steep and on an edge so it is slow going.

Terrace Lakes is so pretty and clear. I slow walk around the lake.

Then there is more downhill before arriving a Shadow Lake. Again a beautiful clear lake. 

I walk the lake to the opposite side where there are great views of Lassen Peak.

Cliff Lake is a little over a mile away and another 400 ft downhill. It's almost 11 now. I'm hungry, it's getting warm to be climbing (in my opinion) AND I'm happy to stop and enjoy Shadow Lake and I do.

On the way back, I stopped for a Woodpecker.

Oh should note, I meet the couple whose car is in the lot. They made it to Cliff Lakes and are on the way back. Met them as I arrived at Shadow Lake. And climbing up from Terrace Lakes, I meet a guy from Ohio who is on his way down. Lovely solitude this morning.

Oh, and yes, I saw CA Tortoiseshells on this trail.

Back at my car, I head to Kings Creek Picnic area. I arrive after 11:30 and it's pretty empty (unlike yesterday). After lunch, I take another stroll in the meadow. I get a good look a fresher Greenish Blue from both sides.

And I see a couple of Blues and that Orange Sulphurs. Much calmer than yesterday.

Oh, I see a Pacific Tree Frog too!


Total: 1.67 miles, 325 ft.

Awesome day! But time to call it a day and prepare for tomorrow.

One last stop at that awesome view:

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