Lassen Volcanic National Park
A Rebirth in Lassen: A Guide to the Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a breathtaking wonderland of geothermal features, towering peaks, and diverse ecosystems. While the 2021 Dixie Fire left its mark, the park has shown remarkable resilience, and many of its iconic attractions are now accessible once again.
A unique perspective of the great fire is the suttle signs that the rebirth of Lassens historic meadows has begun. Through out the park there are visual signs of lush green meadows now re emerging in places once lost to the forest.. As the land recovers and wildlife repopulates the park the next generation of visitors will see a landscape in transition. A home to diversity and unique volcanic geological culture that battles the seasonal elements of Northern California.
Must-See Highlights
- Lassen Peak: The park’s namesake, Lassen Peak, is a massive shield volcano that last erupted in 1915. Its summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Devastated Area: Although the Dixie Fire caused significant damage, the devastated area is now a testament to nature’s ability to recover. Witness the raw beauty of the scarred landscape and observe the early stages of ecological succession.
- Emerald Lake: This stunning alpine lake reflects the surrounding peaks and offers opportunities for fishing and hiking.
- Boiling Springs Lake: A geothermal wonderland with bubbling mudpots, steaming vents, and vibrant mineral deposits.
- Manzanita Lake: A popular destination for camping, boating, and fishing.
Hidden Gems
- Bumpass Hell: A challenging hike leads to this geothermal area, known for its boiling mudpots, fumaroles, and colorful mineral deposits.
- Hat Creek Rim: This scenic drive offers sweeping views of the park, including Lassen Peak and Hat Creek Valley.
- Warner Valley: A lesser-known area of the park with unique geological features, including the Warner Valley Hot Springs.
- Summit Lake: A secluded alpine lake with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
- Brokeoff Mountain: A rewarding hike with panoramic views of the park.
- Butte Lake: A picturesque alpine lake surrounded by stunning scenery.
- Painted Dunes: A colorful landscape formed by volcanic ash and minerals.
As you explore Lassen Volcanic National Park, remember to respect the fragile ecosystem and leave no trace. The park’s resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of conservation efforts.
Things to See in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is in northern California. It’s rich in hydrothermal sites like Bumpass Hell, with its acres of bubbling mud pots. The summit of Lassen Peak Volcano offers views over the surrounding wilderness. Nearby, the Devastated Area is littered with lava rocks from its last eruption. The Landscape is dotted with crystal clear lakes and alien like landscapes to explore.
Editors List of Top sights to see
- Bumpass Hell
- Lassen Peak
- Lake Helen
- Kings Creek Fall
- Chaos Crags
- Manzanita Lake
- Painted Dunes and Cinder cone
- Butte Lake
Camping Lassen Volcanic National Park
Please Note because of 2021 Fire Campground availability in 2024 may be limited or closed.
There are no formal lodging facilities inside Lassen volcanic national Park. Camping and RV spots are limited but there are great locations in the Parks and around the boundaries of the park that give many options for your travels.
- Summit Lake
- Manzanita Lake
- Juniper Lake
- Butte Lake
- Lost creek
Winter in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park transforms into a winter playground each winter. Visitors drive from San Francisco and beyond for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing and locals pack the area with sledding.
Avalanche danger can be very real in parts of the park but along the Southern routes by Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, families enjoy guides and self guides Snowshoe treks, sledding and many backcountry skiers traverse up Brokeoff Mountain slopes for some of the richest backcountry skiing available.
Editors Choice Gallery
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- Lake Helen and Lassen Peak2020
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- Wildflowers in Kings Creek Meadow
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- Scenic Overlook Lassen Volcanic
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- Lassen volcanic National Park brokeoff mtn
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- Kings Creek Falls Lassen
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- Bumpass Hell Lassen volcanic national park
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- Lassen Volcanic National Park
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- Kings Creek Falls LAssen vert
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- Lassen volcanic Summer2020
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- Emerald Lake Lassen Volcanic
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- Manzanita Lake Lassen
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- Lassen Volcanic national Park
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- Cinder Cone
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- Painted Dunes
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- Vista View over Butte Lake in Lassen
Latest News in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Reservations
Campsite reservations are highly recommended July through early September and can be made only through recreation.gov. Reservations are required for group campsites and stock corrals. Reservations are required for Drakesbad Guest Ranch.
A free permit is required for backcountry camping and stock use.
A valid California fishing license is required to fish in the park.
Entrance Fees:
Winter Pass – $10.00
Valid for 1-7 days at Lassen Volcanic National Park between December 1 and April 15.
Vehicle Pass – $30.00
Valid for 1-7 days at Lassen Volcanic National Park between April 16 and November 30
Motorcycle Pass – $25.00
Valid for one motorcycle regardless of the amount of passengers. Valid for 7 days at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Individual Entrance Pass – $15.00
Per person entrance fee for a visitor traveling on foot, bicycle, or for individuals traveling together in a vehicle as a non-commercial, organized group.Valid for 7 days at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Entrance Passes:
Lassen Annual Pass – $55.00
Valid for one year from month of purchase at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Passes may be purchased as park entrance stations mid-May through October.
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Hydrothermal or hot water areas are intriguing and spark our curiosity about the wonders of our natural world. You may feel tempted to explore thermal features up close by walking beyond established trails and walkways. However, a venture to satisfy curiosity may land you in the hospital with severe burns. It is dangerous and unlawful to travel off-trail or enter waters in hydrothermal areas.
Improve your safety in hydrothermal areas:
- Stay on trails or boardwalks. Ground in these areas may look solid, but may actually be a think crust hiding pools of acidic, boiling water or mud.
- Note that footprints are not evidence that ground is solid (only evidence someone took unnecessary risk).
- Do not touch or enter hydrothermal water. Even if it is not hot enough to burn you, prolonged exposure to sulfuric acid in the water and gases can cause damage to your skin and lungs.
- Set a good example! If you see someone attempting to walk in a closed area, remind them of the risk they are taking or inform park staff.
- Keep close watch of young children—do not let them roam about freely.
Bumpass Hell
The largest hydrothermal area in the park is accessible by trail only in the summer and fall (approximately June through October). The 3-mile, round-trip Bumpass Hell Trail begins from the parking area on the park highway (7 miles from the Southwest Entrance). A boardwalk provides up-close access to some of the hydrothermal features in the 16-acre basin.
Little Hot Springs Valley
Located at the bottom of a steep valley, steam vents can be viewed via the park road with binoculars. There is no trail in this area.
Pilot Pinnacle
There is no trail or parking area for this feature which includes steam vents, boiling pools and mudpots. One part of this area is visible from the park road; “Fart Gulch” is a chalk-colored hillside on the north side of the road near Little Hot Springs Valley. The sulfur smells makes this area easily identifiable.
Sulphur Works
The park’s most easily accessed hydrothermal area features boiling mudpots and steam vents viewable via a sidewalk. A parking area with sidewalk access to the features is located one mile north of the Southwest Entrance. Learn more about visiting Sulphur Works in summer/fall or spring/winter.
Devils Kitchen
This moderate hiking trail in the Warner Valley area leads visitors to this bubbling cauldron. Explore steam vents, mudpots, and boiling pools on a short loop.
Boiling Springs Lake
Accessed from the Warner Valley trailhead, this short hike leads to a bubbling lake with a temperature of the lake around 125 degrees. Mudpots and steam vents line part of the shore and drainage creeks. Be careful to stay on clearly marked trails in this area as the ground around the lake is unstable; travel in these areas may result in severe injury.
Terminal Geyser
Access this gigantic steam vent from the Warner Valley trailhead. Although not a true geyser, this spurting steam located in the middle of a creek, provides a spectacular show!
Cold Boiling Lake
Enjoy a short hike from the Kings Creek Picnic Area to this quaint lake where “cold boiling” bubbles rise like soda water.