Summary 
| Difficulty | 4 Intermediate-advanced |
| Length | 3.4 miles round trip to lakes or 4.2 miles round trip loop |
| Starting Elevation |
6750 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1250, -1250 round trip to lakes or + 1550, -1550 round trip loop |
| Navigation | Road, marked trail and map |
| Time | Most of a day |
| Season | December through April |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, Lassen Peak |
| Start | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center located one mile past the Southwest Entrance Station. |
Description
After the route to Ridge Lakes leaves Lassen Park Road behind, you find yourself climbing up a beautiful drainage to these secluded lakes and basin. At this perfect lunch spot, the surrounding slopes offer a variety of opportunities for practicing downhill techniques. After your repast, you can make a side trip to either of the two passes to the west and northwest. You should avoid the slopes to the south and southwest of the lakes if avalanche danger exists.
An alternative to retracing your route on the return trip is to ski a loop to the north of Ridge Lakes and beneath the steep slopes of Mt. Diller; do not attempt this route if avalanche danger exists. From the high point of this alternate route the view is great and ahead you descend the first 300 feet in an open bowl.
Although the route to Ridge Lakes is technically marked, the markers are scarce.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.7
Elevation change: +200
From the trailhead (1) ski north on Lassen Park Road for 0.7 mile until you reach the bridge (2) across West Sulphur Creek. The bridge is the turnoff point for Ridge Lakes.
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.7 - 1.7
Elevation change: +1050
After crossing the bridge, ski to the north end of the flat area to the northwest (left) of the Lassen Park Road where you begin a steep climb following the summer trail as it heads northwest and then curves west for a total of 1.0 mile until you reach the larger of Ridge Lakes (3). The route parallels the west side of West Sulphur Creek.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 1.7 - 3.4
Elevation change: -1250
Retrace your route for 1.7 miles to the trailhead (1).
Alternate return loop
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 1.7 -2.2
Elevation change: +300
Ski to the north end of the lakes basin and then continue north up a distinct gully for a total of 0.5 mile until you reach the flat area (4) just below the steep slopes of Mt. Diller.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 2.2 - 2.8
Elevation change: -600
Ski to the east, descend 300 feet south in an open open bowl, enter the trees, and continue to descend south for a total of 0.6 mile until you reach the route you skied to Ridge Lakes (5).
Return to trailhead
Miles: 2.8 - 4.2
Elevation change: -950
Retrace your route for 1.4 miles to the trailhead (1).
