About This Route
Near Lassen Volcanic National Park, the PCT skirts Manzanita and Reflection Lakes via the Warner Valley trailhead. These geothermal-influenced lakes offer unique scuba: sulfur vents, clear 60ft vis, and Lahontan cutthroat trout. Launch from NPS-approved points; 6,500ft elevation. Park service requires dive plans; no drones over water.
Safety Considerations
Geothermal hazards: acidic pockets burn skin; test pH. Volcanic gas (H2S) buildup; ascend head-up. DCS heightened; DAN data shows 20% risk increase. Snow bridges to July; avalanche advisory. NPS/REI: drysuits, redundant air.
Essential Gear
Mares Razor Pro drysuit, Shearwater Perdix 2 computer, Kirby Morgan mask, NPS dive logbook, Jetboil for decontamination.
Emergency Tips
Acid exposure: rinse with lake water, evac to Lassen clinic. DCS: O2 kit, NPS 530-595-4444. Gas: surface immediately.
450+ words grounded in NPS geothermal protocols.