On the map, I noticed that Cold Boiling Lake was another point of interest that was a hydrothermal region. Hm! And it’s a short walk from Kings Creek Picnic Area too. The trailhead to the right of the bathrooms shows a slight climb, though that’s the only climb on this trail. Afterwards, the trail is all flat. The trail passes through some wooded areas and an open meadow before reaching the lake.
Upon reaching the lake, there are lots of forks in the road. Anything leading to the right with a view of the lake is fine. When I arrived, the highlight are the springs, which looks like it’s bubbling, but are really gas bubbles that rise from Lassen’s hydrothermal system beneath the ground.
After stopping to peer at the quiet bubbles, I chose a place to sit and watched the winds blow the puffy clouds across the sky, listening to the rustle of the wind in the grass and in the trees. Off to the side, another group of hikers enjoyed their lunch and I watched some women appear admiring the lake before setting off to Bumpass Hell.
Cold Boiling Lake
Length: 1.4 miles RT
Crowd factor: very low
Happy travels!
Cat
