To attract more people to the area, a channel was dug to divert water from nearby Manzanita Creek into Mud Lake.

Fish stocking ended completely in the park in the early 1990s to preserve natural riparian ecosystems.

As a result, the lake attracts water birds such as Canada geese, great blue heron, snowy egret, and kingfisher.

The western shore offers unobstructed views of Chaos Crags and Lassen Peak, which are often reflected in the still lake.

The route overlaps with the half-mile Lily Pond Interpretive Trail on the eastern shore of Reflection Lake.