OVERVIEW

Lassen Volcanic National Park, set amidst the volcanic black ash and geothermal hot springs of Northern California, is one of the most unique yet often overlooked US National Parks.

The park is home to subalpine lakes, lava fields, vibrant meadows, towering cinder cones, and an array of natural geothermal wonders. Across these unique landscapes you’ll find steam vents, bubbling mud pots, venting fumaroles, and the iconic Bumpass Hell, a trail leading to a breathtaking hydrothermal area.

Whether you’re interested in climbing to the summit of Lassen Peak, admiring the fascinating geology of the park, or kayaking in one of the area’s striking lakes, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and explorers alike.

HISTORY AND STATISTICS

Lassen Volcanic National Park was established on August 9, 1916, making it the 15th US National Park. It’s the 28th largest national park, measuring 106,452 acres or 171 square miles. In addition, it received 418,978 visitors in 2023, ranking 43rd amongst all of the US National Parks.

Located in the Cascade Mountain Range, Lassen Volcanic National Park was sculpted by the frequent volcanic eruptions occurring in the area over the course of thousands of years. Lassen Peak, the centerpiece of the park, is one of the world’s largest plug dome volcanoes and was formed during a particularly intense explosion about 27,000 years ago.

In more recent history, a series of eruptions rocked the area from 1914 to 1917, beginning with the eruption of Lassen Peak on May 30, 1914. The following year, a powerful eruption led to the flow of an extremely hot and deadly mixture of volcanic ash, gas, and rock fragments that devastated the surrounding landscape.

In the early 20th century, volcanic activity in the region sparked the interest of scientists and researchers. The area was designated as Lassen Peak Forest Preserve in 1907 and Lassen Volcanic National Park was established in 1916 in order to protect its unique volcanic features and diverse ecosystems.

In 2021, the Dixie Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California’s history, devastated Lassen Volcanic National Park. About 73,240 acres were burned, nearly 70% of the park’s total area. The southeastern portion of the park received most of the damage and the areas of Warner Valley and Juniper Lake still remain closed today. 

WHEN TO VISIT

Due to its high elevation in the Cascade Mountains, Lassen Volcanic National Park experiences a diverse climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit is influenced by what sort of activities and sights you prefer to experience.

During the spring months, warming temperatures and melting snow bring wildflowers to life and animals out of hibernation. However, many trails and roads remain closed at higher elevations due to snow lingering until late June. Many of the park’s facilities, such as the Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center reopen during this time, offering a great way to learn about the park.

Summer is the most popular time to visit the park, as the roads, trails, facilities, and campgrounds are all in full operation. Scenic drives, hiking, and visiting the geothermal attractions are all popular activities during these months. Crowds are at their peak but weather usually remains pleasant with highs in the 70s to 80s °F.

Temperatures cool in autumn and the park sees less visitors and spectacular fall foliage, particularly in the Manzanita Lake area. It’s a popular time for photographers and hikers to visit. By mid-October, snowfall generally begins and some areas of the park may start closing for the year.

Snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing are some of the popular activities during the winter months. Cold temperatures set in, with highs in the 30s °F. Most of the park is closed and inaccessible due to deep snow. However, the beautiful snowfall makes for some unique and stunning scenery.

HOW TO GET THERE

A number of large cities with international airports are within driving distance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Renting a car and driving to the park’s southern entrance is generally the best way to access the park from these cities. 

Another option would be touring the park by using the seasonal shuttle service, known as the “Lassen Transit Company”. The shuttle makes several stops along the park’s main road and is a great alternative if you don’t have your own vehicle.

Cycling enthusiasts may choose to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park on their bikes. No mountain biking is allowed in the park, but the paved Lassen Peak Highway is suitable for cycling and would provide a unique perspective for touring the area.

Distances to Lassen Volcanic National Park:

San Francisco: 230 miles and a 4.5-5 hour drive.

Sacramento: 150 miles and a 3-3.5 hour drive.

Redding: 80 miles and a 1.5-2 hour drive.

Reno: 150 miles and a 3.5-4 hour drive.

WHERE TO STAY

There are several places to stay within Lassen Volcanic National Park, including both lodging and camping options.

The luxurious Drakesbad Guest Ranch is found in the southeastern corner of the park within the lush Warner Valley. It’s a historic lodge that offers rustic cabins, bungalows, and lodge rooms. Guests have access to a pool fed by a natural hot spring, all-inclusive meals, horseback riding, and a number of nearby hiking trails.

The more rustic Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins provide a middle ground between camping and staying in a lodge. They provide basic amenities while offering a serene environment and convenient access to nearby attractions.

Several campgrounds are found throughout the park. These include the Manzanita Lake Campground, Butte Lake Campground, Summit Lake Campgrounds, Southwest Walk-in Campground, and Warner Valley Campground. Most of the campgrounds offer potable water, restrooms, and bear-proof storage while occasionally allowing campfires in designated fire rings.

If you’re looking to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park, there are several towns and areas nearby that offer a variety of accommodations. The towns of Chester, Mineral, Shingletown, and Old Station are all within 30 minutes of the park and are home to a variety of lodges, motels, RV parks, campgrounds, and rental properties.

The closest large city to Lassen Volcanic National Park is Redding, about 90 minutes away. Redding is home to an airport and countless accommodation options, although your drive to the park will be longer. Some of the attractions near Redding include Sundial Bridge, Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

HOW LONG TO VISIT

The ideal amount of time to spend in Lassen Volcanic National Park depends on your specific interests and how much of the park you want to explore. 

In one day, you could visit the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Sulphur Works, kayak around Manzanita Lake, hike the popular Bumpass Hell Trail, and visit the Devastated Area.

With two or three days you can explore the park at a more leisurely pace and ensure a more laid back experience. Consider visiting the Cinder Cone and Loomis Museum or hiking any number of the other stunning park trails.

BEST THINGS TO DO

Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

Located at the park’s southwest entrance, the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center serves as a year-round hub for information, education, and services for visitors exploring the park. The name “Kohm Yah-mah-nee” is derived from the Mountain Maidu Native American language, meaning “snowy mountain.”

The visitor center features interactive exhibits, a short film about the park’s history and geology, ranger-led programs, an information desk, a gift shop and café. This is an excellent starting point for any visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park, providing valuable information, resources, and a warm welcome to the park.

Loomis Museum

The Loomis Museum is another visitor center in Lassen Volcanic National Park, found near the northwest entrance to the park. The museum is named after Benjamin Franklin Loomis, a photographer and amateur volcanologist who documented the 1914-1917 eruptions of Lassen Peak.

At the museum you’ll find exhibits of Loomis’s original photographs, displays on volcanology and geology, and historic artifacts. An information desk is also available to help answer questions, provide maps, and offer further details about the park. 

Sulphur Works

Located near the southwest entrance to the park, Sulphur Works is one of the most accessible and fascinating geothermal areas of the park. The hydrothermal attraction is situated on the side of Lassen Peak Highway and features steaming vents, boiling mud pots, and hot springs filled with colorful mineral deposits.

Lily Pond Nature Trail

For a serene and educational experience, consider hiking the short and easy Lily Pond Nature Trail. Located near Manzanita Lake, the trail offers visitors a chance to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including dense forests of pine and fir trees, open meadows, and wetlands teeming with unique plant and animal life.

Devastated Area Loop Trail

Found along the side of Lassen Peak Highway, the 0.5-mile Devastated Area Loop Trail is lined with informational signs regarding the 1914-1917 eruptions and how volcanic activity transformed the area.

Paradise Meadow Trail

Not far from the Devastated Area is the trailhead for the Paradise Meadow Trail. The 2.8 mile trail leads along a shallow creek to a beautiful and lush meadow while featuring several waterfalls.

Along the path you’ll find informational panels highlighting the impact glaciers and volcanoes have had on the park’s landscape. You’ll also learn about the park’s diverse array of plant and animal species as well as its unique geological features.

Manzanita Lake and Manzanita Creek

Manzanita Lake is one of the most tranquil and picturesque spots in Lassen Volcanic National Park. An easy and flat 1.5-mile trail leads around the lake, offering beautiful views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags.

Kayaking, canoeing, and fishing are just some of the popular activities to enjoy at Manzanita Lake. If feeling more adventurous, you can hike the 7-mile Manzanita Creek Trail. The route ascends through a forest and up to a meadow that boasts dramatic views of Eagle Peak, Vulcan’s Castle and Loomis Peak.

Lassen Peak Trail

One of the most iconic trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park is hiking to the summit of Lassen Peak. The hike takes about 5 hours and features almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

The trailhead is found at the Lassen Peak parking lot near Bumpass Hell. From there, a steep 5-mile out-and-back trail ascends a series of switchbacks to the summit of Lassen Peak, providing incredible vistas of the entire park. 

Bumpass Hell

The premier and most popular hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park is the Bumpass Hell Trail. The stunning 3-mile trail leads through a forest and down to the largest hydrothermal area of the park. 

A boardwalk winds its way along the hydrothermal basin, featuring boiling springs, fumaroles, and bubbling mud pots. Several viewing platforms are scattered throughout the area. If you only do one thing while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park, make sure it’s hiking the Bumpass Hell Trail.

Interesting Fact: The area is named after the pioneering explorer Kendall Vanhook Bumpass. In 1864, while guiding a group through the rugged terrain, Bumpass accidentally stepped into a boiling hot spring, severely burning his leg. This unfortunate incident illustrated the dangers of the area’s geothermal activity, which was later named “Bumpass Hell” in his honor.

Kings Creek Falls

The Kings Creek Falls Trail is a scenic 2.3-mile round-trip hike that takes you through lush meadows, alongside bubbling creeks and steep cliffs, and through a dense forest before reaching the beautiful Kings Creek Falls. 

The hike can be done as an out-and-back trail or a circuit. The more challenging, steeper Cascades route features stone steps with sweeping cliffside vistas. It leads to an observation platform where you can get an aerial view as the falls cascade into the gorge below.

The alternative, gentler trail meanders along the creek more closely until reaching some steep rock stairs. You’ll follow along the turbulent waters until returning to the parking lot. 

McArthur-Burney Falls

While not technically found inside Lassen Volcanic National Park itself, the magnificent McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park deserves to be mentioned. Burney Falls is less than an hour from the northern entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park and is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.”

The falls stand at 130 feet tall and split into multiple streams as they cascade down from the mossy cliffside. A vibrant blue-green pool forms at the base of the falls and hiking the 1-mile loop trail around the waterfall is a great way of exploring the park.

Summit Loop Lake 

Another easy trail is the 1.8-mile path around Summit Lake. Starting and ending at the Summit Lake Ranger Station parking lot, this path includes a boardwalk that guides you along the edge of yet another beautiful lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Brokeoff Mountain

Brokeoff Mountain, one of the tallest peaks in Lassen Volcanic National Park, offers a challenging and rewarding hike with panoramic views of the surrounding area. The trail to the summit is about 7 miles round trip, with a steady elevation gain of over 2,600 feet. 

As you ascend, you’ll traverse through dense forests, alpine meadows, and rugged terrain. The hike culminates in dramatic views from the top, where you can see Lassen Peak, Mount Shasta, and the expansive wilderness Lassen below. This hike is perfect for experienced hikers looking for a strenuous adventure with a rewarding payoff.

Cinder Cone

At the Butte Lake parking area you’ll find a 4-mile trail that meanders through a pine forest and along volcanic black sands to a towering cinder cone that dominates the landscape. The cone was formed during eruptions that took place during the mid-17th century.

The challenging trail requires a steep ascent of 800 feet along loose volcanic ash and cinders. From the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Lassen Peak, Butte Lake, and the Painted Dunes. If you have any energy remaining after the ascent, consider hiking into the crater of the cinder cone.

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Although Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the lesser-known US National Parks, it still managed to amaze us with its extraordinary blend of natural beauty, adventure, and geological wonders. 

The park can be thoroughly explored in just a couple days and is easy to access and navigate as it’s not far from several large cities in Northern California. We spent the majority of our time at the visitor center and Loomis Museum, exploring the alpine lakes and lush meadows, and hiking some of the amazing trails such as Bumpass Hell and Cinder Cone.

Whether you’re marveling at steaming fumaroles, hiking across endless lava fields, or gazing across crystal-clear lakes, Lassen Volcanic National Park provides an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.