Summary 
| Difficulty | 3 Intermediate |
| Length | Up to 10.6 miles round trip to the third plateau |
| Starting Elevation |
6450 feet |
| Cumulative Elevation Change |
+1000, -1000 round trip to third plateau |
| Navigation | Road and map (compass may be useful) |
| Time | Up to most of a day. |
| Season | Spring (see description for more information) |
| Snowmobiles Use | Not permitted [Please report illegal use of snowmobiles in this area.] |
| USGS Topo | 7.5' series, West Prospect Peak, Reading Peak |
| Start | Devastated Area located 9.5 miles east of Manzanita Lake Entrance Station. |
Description
A one-day tour into the backcountry beyond Summit Lake is a treat afforded by vehicle access to the Devastated Area. Once you arrive at Summit Lake (3.3 miles on Lassen Park Road) you are faced with the choice of which direction to ski into the backcountry. Your options for tours are only limited by your imagination.
This tour describes a route to the northeast of Summit Lake which is a succession of short climbs separated by plateaus. More and more of the Lassen backcountry becomes visible as you climb above the lake. As you climb, the magnificent views of Lassen Peak and Reading Peak previously hidden by the forest appear.
By the time you reach the top of the third plateau, you will have a much better prospective of the excellent touring terrain that exists in this backcountry area. To the north, east, and south there are miles of intermediate touring terrain filled with lakes and cinder cones. Some of these places may require a multi-day tour to explore.
Although Lassen Peak and Reading Peak are obvious landmarks to guide you back to Lassen Park Road, there are limited landmarks to follow from the road to the third plateau. If you are unsure of your navigation with map only, you may desire the aid of a compass. It can be especially useful in crossing the wooded plateaus.
The vastness of the excellent touring terrain in this area makes possible numerous variations of the described route. Use your own imagination. The Hat Mountain tour is one extension of the tour described here.
While the season for this tour is spring, those planning this trip should refer to the Devastated Area tour for additional information about the season.
Mileage Log
Numbers in parentheses
correspond to mileage points on map
Waypoint 1 to 2
Miles: 0.0 - 0.4
Elevation change: -50
From the trailhead (1)south on Lassen Park Road for 0.4 mile until you reach the West Fork Hat Creek (2).
Waypoint 2 to 3
Miles: 0.4 - 2.9
Elevation change: +250
Ski southeast on Lassen Park Road for 2.5 miles until you reach the Summit Lake Ranger Station (3). The ranger station is off the road to the northeast (left).
Waypoint 3 to 4
Miles: 2.9 - 3.3
Elevation change: +50
Ski south on Lassen Park Road for 0.4 mile until you reach Summit Lake (4) and the entrance to the south campground.
Waypoint 4 to 5
Miles: 3.3 - 3.4
Elevation change: +0
Leave the road and ski south along the west side of Summit Lake for 0.1 mile until you reach its outlet (5) and cross to its east side. This is the starting point of the climb to the first plateau.
Waypoint 5 to 6
Miles: 3.4 - 3.6
Elevation change: +150
Climb east for 0.2 mile until you reach the first plateau (6).
Waypoint 6 to 7
Miles: 3.6 - 4.0
Elevation change: +50
Ski northeast across the first plateau for 0.4 mile until you reach the starting point of the climb to the second plateau (7).
Waypoint 7 to 8
Miles: 4.0 - 4.1
Elevation change: +100
Climb northeast for 0.1 mile until you reach the second plateau (8).
Waypoint 8 to 9
Miles: 4.1 - 4.4
Elevation change: +50
Ski northeast across the second plateau for 0.3 mile until you reach the starting point of the climb to the third plateau (9).
Waypoint 9 to 10
Miles: 4.4 - 4.8
Elevation change: +250
Climb northeast for 0.4 mile until you reach the third plateau (10).
Waypoint 10 to 11
Miles: 4.8 - 5.3
Elevation change: +50
Ski north and then northwest along the edge of the plateau for a total of 0.5 mile until you reach the start of the steep ridge (11) that ascends Hat Mountain.
Return to trailhead
Miles: 5.3 - 10.6
Elevation change: +50, -950
Retrace the route for 5.3 miles back to the trailhead (1).
