Juniper Lake Day Use Area

Visitors enjoy a sunny day at the Juniper Lake beach area.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Juniper Lake Area

Significance:

Day Use Area

Amenities

11 listed

Beach/Water Access, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Recycling, Restroom - Accessible, Restroom - Seasonal, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

Season: June through October; road closed winter/spring
Access: Rough dirt road; high-clearance vehicles recommended
Fees: An entrance fee receipt or pass is required.
Note: No services, drinking water, or cell service

The Juniper Lake Day Use Area is located on the north shore of Juniper Lake. The area consists of a parking lot, vault toilet, two trailheads, and an undeveloped beach area suitable for swimming and launching small, non-motorized vessels. The dirt road continues a short distance beyond the day use area and provides access to a handful of private cabins (owned prior to the park's establishment). A self-pay entrance station is located near the Juniper Lake Ranger Station. Juniper Lake Campground is located on the southeast shore of the lake and offers first-come, first-served campsites plus two reservation-only group sites. 

Get There

The remote Juniper Lake Area is located in the southeast corner of the park is accessed via a 13-mile road out of the town of Chester. View directions to the Juniper Lake Area. The last 6 miles is rough, dirt road with steep sections and is not suitable for cars with low clearance, buses, motorhomes, or trailers.

Beach

The day use area includes a long stretch of shoreline composed of fine gravel or course sand. Swimming is popular here, although this high-elevation lake remains cool year-round. The ground drops slowly from the shore in most areas and is appropriate for launching kayaks, paddle boards, and other small, non-motorized vessels. There are no sport fish in the lake.

Trailheads

Juniper Lake Day Use Area includes trailheads for Horseshoe Lake, Snag Lake, Inspiration Point, and Juniper Lake Loop. This trailhead is a popular starting point for backpacking. A free permit is required for backpacking and stock use; self-registration is available at the Juniper Lake Ranger Station.

Scenic Views

The beach offers a clear view of Mount Harkness and the fire lookout on the lake's far shore. Certain sections of the shore that face west offer a glimpse of Lassen Peak. Most of the beach here faces west or south and offers an excellent view for sunset.