Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen is one of the most underrated national parks being overshadowed by some of the superb locations elsewhere in California. With summer wildflowers, scenic alpine lakes, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views, Lassen is an excellent park to visit. Let me begin with some context. Lassen volcanic national park is one of 8 national parks in California and lies in the far north of California. Mount Lassen is the southernmost volcano of the Cascade range and erupted from 1914-1915, the last eruption in the Cascades until Mt. St. Helens. When Lassen erupted, it Gained national headlines which subsequently led to its protection as a national park in 1916.
Where is Lassen?
The park is in far North-East California, about an hour and half from Redding and has two entrances along highway 89 which encircles the Mt. Lassen. In summer the park is popular with hikers and campers as it provides relief from the heat being between an elevation of 5,500’ and 10,000’ feet. The road through the park closes in winter at each of the entrance stations providing winter activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Things to Do
There are multiple attractions throughout the park that can fill out a long weekend or be enjoyed with multiple visits. Below are some of the most popular places to visit and things to do.
- Hike Mt Lassen
Hiking Mt Lassen is a 5 mile round trip, 2,000 feet ascent which can be a challenge but if you take your time and are in decent shape it is very manageable. This trail is very popular and exposed to the sun so I would recommend hiking it in early morning which also provides amazing light as you get great 360 degree views. Summiting this 10,460 mountain gives you a great feeling of accomplishment. The top of the mountain doesn’t only provide great views but the top of the mountain is very interesting itself. There is a crater at the top with interesting volcanic formations that you can explore. There was steam that would emit from the Crater not long ago but when I visited I didn’t find any vents. When hiking be aware of the weather and promptly turn around if there are any electrical storms nearby. The trail is very exposed and elevated leaving you vulnerable to getting struck by lightning which has happened in the past.
- Hike Cinder Cone and view the Painted Dunes
This is the most isolated part of Lassen National Park but also perhaps the most famous. You must drive East on highway 44 past the North West entrance of Lassen and continue on highway 44, turning right at Old Station. You will then turn right onto a gravel forest service road 32N21 or Butte Lake Road. Continue on the road until you arrive at Butte Lake where there is a large parking lot and some facilities which is where the trailhead for Cinder Cone is located. Prepare yourself as this hike is an absolute slog. The hike is mostly flat to the base of the cinder cone but most of the trail is sand which makes for difficult slow going. Then, the cinder cone is very loose volcanic rock where you feel like you slide back a foot for every step you take. This makes for a very slow exhausting hike. Once on top, it is exceptionally windy but provides excellent views of the Painted Dunes. The dunes are an array of beautiful colors and make the hike up worth it all. The top of Cinder Cone also provides great views of Mt. Lassen, the Fantastic Lava Beds, and Butte Lake.
- Hike to Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell is a remnant of the volcanic activity that has shaped and defined this park. This is the largest hydrothermal area of vents and mud pots in Lassen that is reminiscent of Yellowstone. When I hiked here I came up from the back starting at the King’s Creek picnic area as the main trail was closed. The main trail is an easy 2.5 miles to Bumpass Hell. At the end of the trail there is a short boardwalk that gets you closer to the vents and mudpots, be sure, once in this area, to stay on the trail. This trail is very popular so be prepared to deal with the crowds or go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Hike to Kings Creek Falls
King’s Creek Falls is one of the many spectacular waterfalls that are scattered through Northern California. This waterfall is a beautiful cascade of water that tumbles down 30 feet. The trail is a 2.3 mile loop that descends down into the King’s Creek canyon 700 feet. About a mile in, the trail splits and turns into a one-way loop so you will head left as the trail along the creek is too narrow for the busy foot traffic towards the waterfall. As you descend down, you will arrive at an overlook that sits above the top of the waterfall. If you want to get a closer look, you can scramble down to the creek and get a better view of the falls. Once you leave the waterfall, the scenery continues as you hike along the creek and are treated to exquisite scenery of the creek along the trail which ascends back to the trailhead.
- Visit Sulphur Works
Sulphur works is the most accessible attraction in the park. The road goes right over this hydrothermal area with some vents and mudpots. There is a parking lot South of the hydrothermal area where you can park and then walk along the road on a sidewalk to get an up close view of some mudpots.
- Relax at Manzanita Lake
At the Northern entrance to Lassen is the most serene lake in the park. This lake, accessible year round, has a trail going around the whole lake providing great views of Mount Lassen. This may be my favorite part of the park and the area I have visited most frequently. The North part of the lake has great views with Mt Lassen reflecting in the lake.
Bonus: Subway Cave
Outside Lassen National Park about 30 minutes from the Northern entrance is another neat attraction worth visiting if you are in the area. Subway Cave is a large lava tube cave that is off highway 89 by Old Station. The cave is very easy to enter with stairs in and out of the cave and then a short loop trail to the parking lot. I have been here 4 times and it’s an enjoyable cave where you can see and experience a really cool lava tube.
Places to Stay
- Camp at Summit Lake
I have camped at Summit Lake twice and it is a great campground at an excellent location next to Summit lake and right in the middle of the park with easy access to all of the best places to visit
- Stay in Redding
Redding is the nearest large town and it is easily doable to make day trips into the park from Redding. I have made numerous trips from Redding to just walk around Manzanita Lake or hike up Mt. Lassen If you are in Redding for other reasons, Lassen is an excellent day trip
Places to Eat
- The only place to buy food within the park is at Kohm-Yah-Mah-Nee visitor center at the Southern entrance. The best option is to bring your own food and have a picnic at one of the multiple picnic areas. Two great options to picnic are the King’s Creek picnic area or at Lake Helen.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is an excellent park to visit with even more things to see and places to go than I have listed here. Whether here for a day or for a long weekend, Lassen is a great park to explore.
