Lassen Volcanic National Park

 Bumpass Hell (3.0 miles, 439 feet elev. gain): Move over, Yellowstone! This short, exciting trail showcases a large collection of Lassen Volcanic’s geothermal features, including hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Prepare your nose for the smell of sulfur as you take in the colorful landscapes on this trail.
 Lassen Peak (4.9 miles, 1,971 feet elev. gain): The climb to the top of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s namesake mountain is a remarkable experience. Lassen Peak towers over the surrounding landscapes, so its summit offers a sweeping and seemingly-endless view of northern California. On a clear day, you can spot Mount Shasta to the north, along with dozens of stunning volcanic features that define the national park. Though a challenging hike, this is probably the easiest climb up a major Cascade volcano.
 Kings Creek Falls (2.8 miles, 485 feet elev. gain): The 2021 Dixie Fire destroyed much of the once-untouched pine forest that surrounds this waterfall. Nowadays, the creek feeding into Kings Creek Falls provides life & greenery along its shores, enlivening an otherwise-desolate landscape. Though this hike can be a sobering reminder of the effects of wildfires worsened by human-accelerated climate change, it’s also a reminder of how nature can bounce back from devastation.
 Manzanita Lake (1.9 miles, 52 feet elev. gain): This easy trail guides hikers around the perimeter of Manzanita Lake, a crystal-clear lake whose shores offer great views of nearby Lassen Peak. While you’re there, consider renting a kayak to explore the lake.
 Cinder Cone (4.7 miles, 1,095 feet elev. gain): One of my all-time favorite hikes lies in the northeast corner of the national park. From the Butte Lake trailhead, this trail guides you past towering piles of volcanic rocks until reaching the base of the Cinder Cone: a conical volcano. Those looking for a challenge can make the steep ascent to the rim of the cone. At its summit, you’ll find stunning views of the Fantastic Lava Beds and the distant Lassen Peak. You can’t skip this hike: it’s worth every step.

Sulphur Works: Did you smell that? A short drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works showcases several active hydrothermal features that are right next to the road. If you don’t have time to hike to Bumpass Hell, I definitely recommend a quick stop here.
Jump in a Lake: Lassen Volcanic is home to a plethora of pristine alpine lakes that are beckoning you to jump in for a swim. While I was there, I took a dip in Summit Lake, Manzanita Lake, and Butte Lake, and it was a treat every single time.
Drive the Scenic Highway: Lassen Volcanic’s scenic highway cuts directly through the middle of the park. Many of the park’s popular hikes lie along this road, so it’s likely you’ll be driving this road at some point. Regardless, I suggest planning some time to cruise this highway and enjoy the sights in the park.
Stargazing: Though not technically an International Dark Sky Park, Lassen Volcanic sports some impressively dark night skies. Bring your nighttime camera and red-light headlamp and go for a stroll under the Milky Way.
Camping: The park’s many campgrounds offer even more of an escape from the hustle & bustle of modern life. Several of Lassen’s campgrounds are conveniently located near popular trailheads & beautiful lakes, making for excellent basecamps when exploring the area.

Burney Falls: One of the most stunning waterfalls I’ve ever visited, Burney Falls is a captivating and whimsical cascade of water fed by above-ground and underground water sources. It flows steadily year-round, and is a quick stop on the drive between Lassen & Mount Shasta.
Mount Shasta: California’s northernmost 14er is an enormous standalone volcano that rises thousands of feet above anything else around it. On a clear day, you can spot it from Lassen Peak. Summiting Shasta makes for an exhilarating & challenging experience, one that no one should take lightly. Early in the climbing season (May-early July), plan to take the Avalanche Gulch route and bring your mountaineering gear. Late in the season (August-September), bring your backpacking gear and tackle the Clear Creek route. Check out the nearby town of Mt Shasta for accommodations and food after your climb.
Castle Crags State Park: Another beautiful California state park lies near both Mount Shasta & Lassen Volcanic. In addition to rock climbing, Castle Crags offers several stunning hikes that offer views of the park’s namesake rock formations and of the nearby volcanoes.
Lake Tahoe: California’s premier alpine destination is only a few hours’ drive south of Lassen Volcanic. My first visit to Lassen was paired with a visit to Tahoe, and the pairing made for an excellent trip. Tahoe offers exciting activities year-round… in the summer, watersports on the lake, rock climbing in the surrounding mountains, and hiking all around the lake’s perimeter are popular activities. In the winter, skiing and snowshoeing opportunities abound. No matter when you visit, the area offers plenty of places to stay, things to see, places to eat & drink, and entertainment to enjoy.

When to Visit: June through September are the prime months to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park. These are the summer months, when temperatures are warmest, the sky is clear, and most of the wintertime snow has melted off. This is the best time of year for hiking, camping, and swimming.
How Long to Visit: Though you can see the highlights of Lassen Volcanic in 1 jam-packed day, I recommend 2-3 days to fully explore and appreciate the park’s offerings.
How to Get There: Lassen Volcanic is nestled in a remote part of northern California, far away from most major cities. The closest sizable airport is in Reno, NV, about 3 hours away from the park. You’ll absolutely need a car to reach and explore Lassen.
Where to Stay: Despite its isolation and relatively small size, Lassen Volcanic hosts an abundance of developed campgrounds and even camping cabins at Manzanita Lake. Along the park’s highway, camping options include Summit Lake South, Summit Lake North, and Manzanita Lake campgrounds, along with the first-come, first-serve Southwest Campground. In the southern part of the park, Warner Valley offers reservable campsites. In the northeastern corner – near Cinder Cone – Butte Lake hosts yet another campground. If you’re looking for more comfortable lodging, look to the nearby towns of Chester or Old Station.
What to Bring: Bring sturdy hiking boots to navigate Lassen Volcanic’s terrain. If you plan to summit Lassen Peak, bring trekking poles. Water containers, a hiking pack, and plenty of snacks will go a long way in helping you enjoy the trails. Sun protection is a must, too – due to the relatively high altitude of the park, the UV can be unrelenting.

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