Lake Helen in Lassen Volcanic NP

Lake Helen is a glacial lake in Lassen Volcanic NP.  The park's winter season starts in October and runs through June.  Lake Helen can be found thawing mid-June.  The turquoise blue of the water comes from the minerals in it, and is mesmerizingly beautiful when thawing in pools over a snowy Lake Helen.

Once fully thawed, Lake Helen is a great lake for reflection photos as there is no surface outlet, so the water is incredibly calm.  Plus, directly behind the lake is Lassen Peak.

There are long parking turnouts on either side of the road.