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ForestMatters, LLC

Medicine Lake Rim Trail

Modoc National Forest, California · 3 min read

Distance
5.5 mi
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
June through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
4 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Medicine Lake caldera, part of the largest shield volcano in the United States by area
  • Views from the rim across the Modoc Plateau and toward Mount Shasta
  • Volcanic terrain: cinder cones, obsidian flows, and lava rocks throughout
  • Swimming in Medicine Lake from the campground beach
  • Adjacent Lava Beds National Monument with lava tube caves

Overview

The Medicine Lake Rim Trail circles the caldera of one of the most geologically significant volcanic features in the western United States, providing views across the Modoc Plateau and into the lake-filled caldera at 6,700 feet. The 5.5-mile loop is one of the best ways to experience the Medicine Lake volcanic highland in Modoc National Forest, combining volcanic geology with wide-open views toward Mount Shasta to the west.

No permit required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Southeast rim. The trail begins at the campground and climbs the southeast rim of the caldera through volcanic rock and sparse conifer forest. The caldera lake appears below within the first half-mile. The rim provides consistent views down into the lake, which fills the lowest part of the caldera depression.

Miles 2.0 to 3.5: North rim. The trail crosses the north rim where views open toward Lava Beds National Monument to the north and Mount Shasta to the northwest. The volcanic terrain is most exposed here: bare rock, scattered whitebark pine, and the wide Great Basin landscape in all directions.

Miles 3.5 to 5.5: West rim and return. The trail descends the west rim back toward the campground, passing through the densest forest section of the loop. The beach access area at the campground is visible from the final descent.

When to Hike

July through September after road opening. Views are best in the morning before afternoon haze develops.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water. Water is available at the campground. Sun protection important on the exposed rim sections.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 49 from State Route 89 north of McCloud. Access from Lava Beds National Monument to the north via the Medicine Lake road. Road typically opens in June.

Practical Details

No permit is required for day hiking on this trail. Dogs are welcome on leash. Vault restrooms are available at the trailhead. Water is available at the trailhead. No cell service is available in this area; download offline maps before leaving the main road.

The recommended season for this trail is June through October. Conditions outside this window may include challenging weather, trail closures, or reduced accessibility. Always verify current conditions with the Modoc National Forest ranger district before visiting, particularly at the beginning and end of the recommended season when conditions are most variable.

Before any visit, review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide for current fire restrictions, trail closures, and ranger district advisories. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas where applicable. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in our veteran benefits guide.

Nearby

Lava Beds National Monument is immediately north and provides lava tube cave exploration that complements this volcanic surface hike. The Modoc National Forest guide covers the full Medicine Lake Highland. Follow Leave No Trace principles on the fragile volcanic surface.

Trailhead Parking

Medicine Lake Campground parking area on Forest Road 49, south of Lava Beds National Monument. Paved road access. No fee for trail use.

← Back to Modoc National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of volcano is Medicine Lake?
Medicine Lake sits in the caldera of a shield volcano, the largest shield volcano in the United States by aerial extent (the Medicine Lake Highland covers roughly 900 square miles). Shield volcanoes are broad, gently sloping mountains built by fluid basaltic lava flows rather than explosive eruptions. The Medicine Lake Highland has been volcanically active in the geologically recent past, with the most recent eruptions occurring approximately 1,000 years ago. The adjacent Glass Mountain obsidian flow is one of the largest in North America.
Can I swim in Medicine Lake?
Yes. Medicine Lake is a spring-fed volcanic lake at 6,700 feet with a developed campground and beach area. The water is clear and clean, though cold even in summer. Swimming is popular from the campground beach in July and August. There are no lifeguards; swim at your own discretion.
Is the Medicine Lake area accessible for most of the year?
The Medicine Lake access road (Forest Road 49) is typically closed by snow from November through May or June, depending on snowpack. The area is inaccessible in winter and spring without snowshoes or skis. Once the road opens, usually in June, the campground and trails are accessible through October.