Hiking

The area surrounding St. Bernard Lodge offers unparalleled hiking opportunities. We offer detailed maps, directions, and trail guides at St. Bernard Lodge and are more than happy to help you find the proper hike. From the gorgeous peaks of Lassen Volcanic National Park to the ice caves at Wilson Lake, here are some of our favorite hikes in the region.

Indian Valley/Greenville Area

• Round Valley Nature Walk: Round Valley Lake Nature Walk takes you on a lovely one-mile loop around the Round Valley Reservoir. Typically a cool, shaded hike is a great route to take if the weather is extremely warm in the area. It is also an excellent lake for canoes and kayaks. Swimming and motorized boats are not permitted in the lake.
• Indian Falls: Indian Falls is about nine miles south of Greenville on the east side of Hwy. 89. A short 10-minute walk will take you to a secluded beach area and a lovely waterfall. Due to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere, it is easy to understand why this was a sacred place for the Maidu Indians. If you would like to learn more about the Maidu Indians, keep an eye out for the signage along the way explaining a bit about their history and culture.

Hikes Near Chester and Lake Almanor

• Lake Almanor Recreation Trail: This pleasant, paved trail runs along the west shore of Lake Almanor for about 12 miles. Hiking or biking the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail gives you beautiful views of Lake Almanor, Dyer Mountain, and a few breathtaking glimpses of Lassen Peak. This is also an excellent trail for spotting Bald Eagles, Osprey, and various other birds.
• Collins Pine Nature Trail: The trail starts at the west end of Chester Park and loops through beautiful second-growth woodlands. Plan to stop at the Collins Pine Museum before starting this hike.
• Locherman Canyon Nature Trail: Also known as the Mike McCollum Nature Trail, the trailhead is located 5 miles north of the Hwy. 36/89 junction just west of Chester. Start at the Amphitheater and follow the loop, which is a little over ½ mile. The trail passes through several different habitats and twelve different points of interest.

Closest Trails to St. Bernard Lodge

• Pacific Crest Trail: The world-famous PCT is located 1.4 miles east of St. Bernard Lodge. The trail can be hiked in either direction from here. Hiking north, about 7 miles, will take you to Stover Springs. Hiking south, you will cross Soldier Meadows and climb Carter Mountain.
• Spencer Meadow National Recreation Trail: The Spencer Meadow Trailhead is about 11 miles west of St. Bernard Lodge on the north side of Hwy. 36 before you reach Childs Meadow.

Hikes East of Chester and St. Bernard Lodge

• Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail: Part of the historic rails-to-trails conservation project, the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail has been rated the most scenic trail in all of California. This hike is especially magical when you can experience the fantastic changing colors in the fall. The trail is open to mountain bikes, horseback riders, and hikers. For more information, download the brochure and directions.
• Osprey Trail and Overlook: This ½ mile trail begins just after Camp Ronald McDonald and offers incredible views of Eagle Lake along the way. You’ll start at the osprey’s nest near the trailhead. There are interpretive signs along the way where you can learn more about the osprey and eagles in the area. The views on this hike are amazing, so be sure to bring your camera.

Caves

If you’ve seen enough beautiful sites above ground, why not head below? We are located near three caves for those of you interested in exploring the underground.

• Wilson Lake Ice Caves: Though these caves are hard to find, you will be rewarded once you do. The caves are small with wondrous, with a 150-foot rope to help you down. We recommend going in the spring if you want to see the ice in the caves.
• Hamilton Branch Caves: A longtime local secret, the Hamilton Branch Caves became a popular caving spot after a Feather River College student shared information about them with the public. The entrance is located about 2 miles from Hamilton Branch at Lake Almanor. This accessible, two-level cave does not require headlamps.
• Subway Caves: A dense flow of lava formed the Subway Caves nearly 20,000 years ago. The height of the cave varies from 6 to 17 feet, so be sure to take a flashlight or headlamps. For more information, view the PDF for Subway Caves.