One of the four types of volcanos found in Lassen Volcanic National Park, Cinder Cone stands at 6,907 ft elevation and 750 ft above the surrounding landscape. Cinder Cone was formed in the 1600's, though lava flows at its base caused the then active volcano to die down. Today, Cinder Cone is not active, and is a hike that allows visitors to experience a cinder cone first hand. Along the way, hikers will see the Painted Dunes and the Fantastic Lava Beds. 

The trail begins from the Butte Lake parking lot and is about four miles round trip, taking approximately 3 hours to hike it all. Similar to hiking in sand, the trail is very loose terrain and can be very taxing regardless of how short of a hike it seems. When hikers reach the top they will have the option to take in the view from the summit or continue down into the crater of the cinder cone.

From the top hikers will see the Painted Dunes, which were formed after the erruption of the cinder cone, and as the lava cooled off, left behind orange hills at the base of the cinder cone. The Fantastic Lava Beds are also visibile and create stark contrast from the forested landscape. The lava beds actually helped to form the two lakes in the area, damming the lakes when the lava beds were first created.