Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park protects one of the most geologically diverse volcanic landscapes in the world. Located in northern California, the park contains all four types of volcanoes—shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome—making it unique among national parks. Visitors can explore steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots, alpine lakes, lava fields, and volcanic peaks while hiking scenic trails through forests and mountain landscapes.
Park Data & Statistics
- State: California
- Established: August 9, 1916
- Park Size: ~106,452 acres
- Annual Visitors: ~500,000
- Highest Peak: Lassen Peak (10,457 ft)
- Volcano Type: Plug dome volcano
- Last Major Eruption: 1914–1917
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–September)
Best time for hiking and full park access.
Fall (September–October)
Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
Winter
Popular for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Heavy snow often limits access during winter and spring.
Best Photography Locations
- Manzanita Lake sunrise reflections
- Lassen Peak summit views
- Bumpass Hell geothermal features
- Cinder Cone volcanic landscape
Camping & Lodging Options
Popular campgrounds include:
Manzanita Lake Campground
Largest campground in the park.
Summit Lake Campground
Scenic lakeside camping area.
Butte Lake Campground
Located near the Cinder Cone trailhead.
Indigenous / Cultural Significance
The region surrounding the park was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples including the Atsugewi Tribe, Yana Tribe, and Maidu Tribe, who lived in the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Entrance Fees & Pass Information
There is no entrance fee for Lake Clark National Park.
Transportation to the park typically requires charter flights with a fee.
The America the Beautiful Annual Pass covers entry to all U.S. national parks for one year.
Hidden Gems Most Visitors Miss
- Butte Lake area near Cinder Cone
- Cold Boiling Lake geothermal feature
- Kings Creek Falls trail
- Quiet backcountry lakes
Additional Resources (1)
• Official Lassen Volcanic National Park Website (National Park Service) – Official park information, alerts, and visitor planning resources.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park Maps – Download official park maps including trails and scenic drives.
• Lassen Volcanic Hiking Guide – Trail descriptions and safety information.
• Lassen Volcanic Current Conditions & Alerts – Weather updates and park alerts.
• Lassen Volcanic Geothermal Areas Guide – Information about hydrothermal features.
Popular Hiking Trails
- Lassen Peak Trail
5 miles round trip – Hike to the summit of Lassen Peak for incredible views. - Bumpass Hell Trail
3 miles round trip – One of the most popular trails through hydrothermal areas. - Devils Kitchen Trail
4 miles round trip – Trail to bubbling mud pots and steam vents. - Cinder Cone Trail
4 miles round trip – Hike to the top of a volcanic cinder cone. - Manzanita Lake Loop
1.5 miles – Scenic lakeside trail with reflections of Lassen Peak.
Top Scenic Viewpoints
- Lassen Peak summit
- Bumpass Hell hydrothermal basin
- Manzanita Lake reflections
- Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway overlooks
Beginner-Friendly Activities
- Walk the Manzanita Lake Loop
- Visit hydrothermal areas like Bumpass Hell
- Scenic drives along the park highway
- Ranger-led geology programs
Nearby Getaway Towns
Mineral – Small gateway town near the park entrance.
Redding – Largest nearby city with major services.
Waterfalls, Lakes, or Natural Highlights
- Lassen Peak volcano
- Bumpass Hell geothermal basin
- Manzanita Lake
- Cinder Cone volcano
- Devastated Area lava fields
Scenic Drives
Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway
A spectacular 30-mile drive through the park featuring views of volcanoes, lakes, hydrothermal areas, and alpine forests.
Maps & Navigation Resources
Visitors can use:
- Official NPS park maps
- onX Backcountry App
- AllTrails hiking maps
- Printed visitor center maps
- GPS navigation hiking apps
One Day Itinerary
Morning
- Sunrise at Manzanita Lake
- Drive the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway
Midday
- Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail
- Picnic lunch at Summit Lake
Afternoon
- Hike the Lassen Peak Trail
- Visit the Devastated Area
Evening
- Sunset photography along the scenic highway
- Dinner in nearby gateway towns
Popular Flora
The park contains a mix of volcanic soils and alpine ecosystems.
Common plants include:
- Ponderosa pine
- Red fir trees
- Mountain hemlock
- Wildflowers
- Alpine shrubs
Popular Fauna
Mammals:
- Black bears
- Mule deer
- Marmots
- Coyotes
Birds:
- Clark’s nutcrackers
- Mountain bluebirds
- Bald eagles
Other wildlife:
- Pikas
- Various amphibians
Advanced/Backcountry Activites
- Summit hike to Lassen Peak
- Backpacking trips through wilderness areas
- Multi-day alpine hikes
- Winter backcountry skiing
Park History
Lassen Volcanic National Park was established in 1916 following the dramatic eruptions of Lassen Peak between 1914 and 1917. These eruptions were among the most significant volcanic events in the continental United States during the 20th century.
Visitor Tips and Safety
- Access requires bush plane or boat transportation.
- Visitors must be prepared for remote wilderness conditions.
- Bears are common throughout the park.
- Weather conditions can change rapidly.
Top 5 Bucket List Experiences
- Hike to the summit of Lassen Peak
- Explore the hydrothermal features at Bumpass Hell
- Visit the Cinder Cone volcano
- Photograph Manzanita Lake reflections
- Drive the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway
Fun Facts
- Lassen Volcanic contains all four types of volcanoes found on Earth.
- Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world.
- The 1914–1917 eruptions were the most recent in the Cascade Range before Mount St. Helens.
- Hydrothermal features include boiling mud pots and steam vents.
- The park receives over 30 feet of snow annually in some areas.
Additional Resources (2)
• Redding California Visitor Guide – Regional travel information and services.
• AllTrails – Lassen Volcanic National Park Trails – Hiking maps and trail reviews.
• National Park Foundation – Lassen Volcanic Overview – Conservation information and park highlights.
• California Tourism – Lassen Volcanic Guide – Travel tips and visitor highlights.
• Lassen Volcanic National Park Wikipedia Overview – Background on park history, geology, and wildlife.