Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced | ||
| Length | 12.8 miles round trip | ||
| Starting Elevation |
4850 feet | ||
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+2300, -2300 round trip | ||
| Navigation | Road and map | ||
| Time | Most of a day | ||
| Season | Mid-December through early April | ||
| Snowmobiles Use | Moderate on Viola Road and not permitted elsewhere [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] | ||
| USGS Topo |
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| Start | The north side of Highway 36 at Viola Road, 1.0 mile west of Lassen Volcanic National Park Headquarters in Mineral. The actual ending point is 100 yards up Viola Road at the Mineral disposal site. |
Description
This is the shortest route, 12.8 miles round trip, to Battle Creek Overlook from which you are treated to a birds-eye view of Battle Creek Meadow below to the south. The alternative route, Battle Creek Overlook Via McGowan Road is 19.0 miles round trip.
On the downside, this route follows a moderately steep road that is used by snowmobiles. The descent is made more difficult by snowmobile tracks on Viola Road. Enjoying the descent is dependent both on the snow conditions and your skiing ability.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 1.3
Elevation change: +400
From the trailhead (1), ski north, then east and finally northeast on Viola Road for a total of 1.3 miles until you reach a sharp turn (left) in the road (2). Peak 5553 is directly east of this point.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 1.3 - 3.3
Elevation change: +750
Continue on Viola Road, slightly north of west, for 2.0 miles until you reach a sharp turn (right) in the road (3).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 3.3 - 4.9
Elevation change: +200, -100
Turn north (right) and continue on Viola Road for 1.6 miles until you reach a road junction on the right side of Viola Road (4). Actually there are two road junctions very close together. The lessor road junction is the first you encounter and the larger one is the second one you encounter. They are about 25 yards apart and don't be surprised if the lessor is not obvious. This tour continues on the lessor road.
In the following description the route follows roads that may be difficult to follow. In reality, it is not necessary to follow the roads. Battle Creek Overlook is the obvious high point to the south-southeast. If you want, at any time you can simply strike a path in that direction and leave the road behind.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 4.9 - 5.5
Elevation change: +250
Turn southeast onto the lessor road and follow it for 0.6 mile until you reach a 4-way road junction (5).
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 5.5 - 5.6
Elevation change: +50
Continue southeast (straight) on the road for 0.1 mile until it makes a sharp turn to the southwest (right) (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 5.6 - 5.8
Elevation change: +100
Continue on the road for 0.2 mile until you can see a logged area to the south (7). This is the same logged area that the Battle Creek Overlook Via McGowan Road tour follows to the overlook.
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 5.8 - 6.2
Elevation change: +400
Climb south-southeast, up the logged area, for 0.4 mile until you reach the ridge line (9).
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 6.2 - 6.4
Elevation change: +50
Ski west for 0.2 mile until you reach the high point (10). Just east of the high point you will find an excellent perch to view Battle Creek Meadows below.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 6.4 - 12.8
Elevation change: +100, -2200
Retrace the route for 6.4 miles back to the trailhead (1).
