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Hike from the picnic area past two small lakes that meets up with the Butte Lake-Snag Lake Trail at Butte Lake.


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Map Key

1.4

Miles

2.2

KM

Point to Point

6,161' 1,878 m

High

5,994' 1,827 m

Low

188' 57 m

Up

224' 68 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

16%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Combined with a return along Butte Lake on Butte Lake to Snag Lake Trail (East), this is a short, fun hike from the campground area. Plenty of variety, things to see and do.

The trail is located in the Butte Lake Campground area in the Northeastern portion of the park. The area can be closed due to snow, so make sure to check the park's website to make sure that the Butte Lake area is open. The area is usually open from June through October depending on snow conditions.

Description

From the parking area near the Butte Lake Campground, Bathtub Lake Trail begins with a short climb away from from Butte Lake. There are nice views of Butte Lake as the trail climbs.

At the 0.25 mile mark, Bathtub Lake Trail reaches the top of the hill and drops down the other side into the pine forest, thus losing the views of Butte Lake. Almost immediately, the first of two small lakes comes into view to the right, below the trail, shimmering like a gem. The trail descends slightly, goes around a bend, and the second small lake appears to the left. The trail continues to descend to the lake's level, making the lake easily accessible, before leaving the lake behind.

After leaving the second lake, Bathtub Lake Trail continues on in the pine forest, with short climbs and descents. At the 0.8 mile mark, the trail gradually bends right to circle around a ridge to the right. The trail then reaches Butte Creek, the seasonal outlet creek of Butte Lake. The creek is crossed on a couple log bridges. The trail then bends right again to follow the creek to Butte Lake where the trail ends as it meets up with Butte Lake to Snag Lake Trail (east).

Flora & Fauna

Tall pine forest. Very thin low ground cover between the pines. Deadfall all around, however the trail is well maintained and cleared of deadfall.

Contacts

Shared By:

David Hitchcock with improvements by Joan Pendleton

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 2 votes

#8

in Butte Lake

#28058

Overall
  3.0 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#8

in Butte Lake

#3,015

in California

#28,058

Overall
2 Views Last Month
346 Since Jun 12, 2020
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate

33%
33%
33%
0%
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Photos

Butte Lake
Jun 27, 2020 near Chester, CA
Bathtub Lake, the second small Lake, is passed by Bathtub Lake Trail.
Jun 19, 2020 near Chester, CA
The first little lake is set in the pine forest below Bathtub Lake Trail.
Jun 19, 2020 near Chester, CA
Butte Lake is very pretty as Bathtub Trail starts up a hill.
Jun 19, 2020 near Chester, CA
A picnic table sits at the head of Butte Lake.
Jun 12, 2020 near Chester, CA
The trail crosses a dry creaked via two boards and then starts climbing up a hill.
Jun 12, 2020 near Chester, CA

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Check-Ins

Jun 15, 2020
Joan Pendleton
Jun 6, 2020
David Hitchcock
Nice hike, trail was empty and had the lakes to myself. 1.4mi
Aug 29, 2011
Scott Salas
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