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There were only a couple other cars at the trailhead as we prepared for the hike just
before noon. Lassen Peak is visible to the left from the parking area. The trail
starts at 8000 feet elevation and immediately starts descending. The trail is in generally
good condition, with a few portions over granite rocks. The trail descends uneventfully
through a typical Sierra forest.
Lassen Peak
After a short descent, you'll reach a trail intersection. To the left is a trail to Paradise
Meadow and Hat Lake beyond it. To the right is Terrace Lake (0.3 miles from the sign) and
Shadow Lake (0.5 miles from the sign). We took the right
fork, which continues to descend. Soon we caught our first glimpse of Terrace Lake to the left,
through the trees. Here, the trail starts to descend steeply until it reaches a flat section
at the bottom. The trail passes grasses and flowers as it heads toward the lake.
Descending down to Terrace Lake
Trail around Terrace Lake
Shortly, we were there, at Terrace Lake. It's a small but pretty lake. There isn't much in the
way of flat shoreline where you could stop and have lunch. However, we found a nice spot later
on. We followed the trail as it passes the lake, then followed it up slightly to a ridge
above the lake. I took a few steps to the left and looked down to the lake and was struck by the
beautiful blue/green color of the lake. If you come here, be sure to look at the lake from
this vantage point, as it really is a beautiful sight.
Terrace Lake
Terrace Lake from the ridge
Terrace Lake from the ridge
From the trail on this ridge, you also get your first glimpse of Shadow Lake to the right. It's about
320 feet of descending from the trailhead to reach Terrace Lake. From the ridge, it's another
120 feet of descending to reach Shadow Lake. The trail immediately descends the ridge, switch-backing
down the hill. Along the way you'll have to watch your step because you'll be distracted by the
beauty of Shadow Lake. It's much larger than Terrace Lake. The blue and green colors of the lake
are amazing. The shores are steep on most sides. There aren't any nice flat beach sections.
However, we spied a nice shaded spot on the other side of the lake.
First glimpse of Shadow Lake from the ridge
Shadow Lake
We continued along the trail as it hugs the right shoreline of the lake. The trail continues
straight toward Cliff Lake, but we turned left on a use trail to the shady spot on the shore of
Shadow Lake. This was a great spot with ample shade, only 20 feet down a short hill
from the water's edge. We settled down for a nice relaxed lunch. As we sat here, for some reason
I wondered how many people in the world never get to experience a beautiful lake like this. It's
a shame if they don't.
Shadow Lake
Shadow Lake
Shadow Lake
There was a nice cool breeze across the lake on this warm day. After lunch Nathan and I walked
into the water. Unlike Bathtub Lakes, the shore here is not muddy. There is some sand, but the
ground is firm underneath the water, and there are rocks and even a log which provides a nice place
to sit with your feet in the water. I've never swum outside of a swimming pool before, but I
felt like jumping in and swimming in Shadow Lake. The water was cold at first, but you get used to
it. I spent much time walking around knee-deep in the water, taking pictures from a different
vantage point than usual.
Reading Peak above Shadow Lake
Log in Shadow Lake
The amazing thing was that we mostly had the entire lake to ourselves. We did see other people
on the trail, both to and from the lakes. But once we sat down, we didn't see anyone else nearby.
One group of several hikers reached the opposite shore, but stayed on the other side admiring the
lake before they headed back up the trail. I would have to rate Shadow Lake as one of the nicest
lakes I've ever hiked to. I'm not sure if I could come up with anything better.
Shadow Lake
After a long break, we reluctantly packed up and headed back up the trail the way we came. In
case you're wondering about the discrepancy in vertical feet, I think over 100 feet of climbing
comes from me walking up and down the hill between the water and our tarp during our lunch break.
In any case, we headed back up the trail, returning to the trailhead in short order.
Heading back along the trail next to Shadow Lake
One other thing I should mention is that instead of an out-and-back, you could try to do this as
a one-way shuttle hike. Once the trail passes Shadow Lake and Cliff Lake, it continues on to the
park road at Summit Lake. If you can arrange for someone to drop you off at the Terrace Lake
trailhead and pick you up at Summit Lake (or if you're camping there), then you can avoid the uphill
climb back to the Terrace Lake trailhead. The distance from the trailhead to Summit Lake is about
3.7 miles, most all of it downhill.
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