A Guide to Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Looking for a unique national park to visit in the United States? Look no further than Lassen Volcanic National Park! This incredible park is home to incredible volcanic landscapes and geological features, making it perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This guide to visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park will provide everything you need to know before you go, including the best things to do, trails to hike, where to stay, and how to get there. Alien and otherworldly, this is a national park that makes an impression on every visitor!

Be aware of the volcanic landscapes and the dangers that mud pots, acidic hot springs, and steam can pose. Make sure to follow all park rules and respect your surroundings! This post may contain affiliate links, and if you choose to make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park: California’s Most Underrated Gem

Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park means a chance to explore one of the most underrated national parks in the United States. Located in Northern California, the park is home to various geological features, including the world’s largest plug dome volcano. The park also has several scenic lakes, meadows, and forests, though its name might lead you to think it’s purely a hellish wasteland. While it has its fair share of scenery that may remind you of Hades, there’s so much natural beauty here that will bring enchanted forests and fairy tales to mind! 

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the few places in the world where you can see all four types of volcanoes. Isn’t that amazing? With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that Lassen Volcanic National Park is such a hidden gem.

How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California, about a four-hour drive from San Francisco. The closest airport to the park is the Redding Airport, and from there, it is about an hour’s drive to the park.

What to Know Before Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park

Before visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park—or any national park—do your research. You’re already off to a great start by reading this guide! Here’s what you should know before you start planning your trip. 

What’s the Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?

The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is in the mild summertime, generally between late May and mid-September. The park is open all year-round, but wintertime can bring heavy snowfall that makes some park areas and roads inaccessible. Crowds are typically bigger in summer, so opt for a late spring or early fall visit to avoid crowds (but check the park website for road conditions and potential closures). 

What’s the Weather Like in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

The weather in Lassen Volcanic National Park is generally mild with extended dry periods. Summers are usually warm and dry, while winters can be cold and snowy. December is the coldest month of the year, with average highs around 40°F, and July is the warmest month of the year, seeing highs around 77°F on average. Winter is generally the wettest time of year in the park, with anywhere from 9-11 rainy days each month. 

How Much Does Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park Cost?

The current cost to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park is $30 per vehicle or $15 per person if you enter on foot or by bike. The best way to see national parks if you plan to visit more than one each year is by purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass. At $80 per year (as little as $20/year for seniors and free for military members), this pass gives you access to all national parks, national forests, and NPS service sites. You can grab an America the Beautiful Pass here.

How Many Days Do I Need at Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Plan on spending at least two days in Lassen Volcanic National Park, but if you have flexibility, you should aim to spend three or four days in the park. Four days is ideal if you want to explore all that Lassen Volcanic National Park offers. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park’s Best Attractions

There are a few must-see attractions in Lassen Volcanic National Park. These include the world’s largest plug dome volcano, the scenic lakes, and the hiking trails. Here’s what you need to know to experience them all.

Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to several incredible hiking trails that lead you through changing scenery, from dense forests to otherworldly volcanic landscapes where steam billows from the ground and mud pots bubble next to the trail. My favorite hiking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park include:

• Bumpass Hell Trail
• Lassen Peak Trail
• Devastated Area Nature Trail

Let’s take a closer look at each of these hiking trails next.

Bumpass Hell Trail

The Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most popular trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park for a good reason! The trail is three miles long and takes you through various landscapes, including meadows, forests, and volcanic formations. 

Bumpass Hell Thermal Pools

Lassen Peak Trail

If you’re looking for a challenge, the Lassen Peak Trail is for you. This strenuous five-mile hike takes you to the summit of Lassen Peak, the highest point in the park. The views from the summit are breathtaking and really put the park into perspective. 

Devastated Area Nature Trail

The Devastated Area Nature Trail is a short, easy trail that takes you through the area destroyed by the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. The trail is less than a mile long and is wheelchair accessible. Bring the whole family to enjoy this short and sweet trail!

WATCH THE VIDEO GUIDE TO LASSEN 

Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Hiking isn’t the only thing to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park—not by a longshot! There are several other activities to enjoy here. These are some of the best things to do when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park. 

Visit Kings Creek Falls

Kings Creek Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The waterfall is located on the Kings Creek Trail, and it’s an easy two-mile hike from the trailhead to reach it. This is one of my favorite spots for photos!

Go Kayaking on Summit Lake

Summit Lake is the largest lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and its waters are incredibly inviting for a kayaking trip! The lake offers stunning views of Lassen Peak and is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.

Explore the Cinder Cone Nature Trail

The Cinder Cone Nature Trail is a short, easy trail that takes you to the base of Cinder Cone, a unique volcanic formation in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trail is less than two miles long and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.

Enjoy a Craft Beer at Kohm Yah-Mah-Nee Visitor Center

The Kohm Yah-Mah-Nee Visitor Center is the best place to get information about Lassen Volcanic National Park (hopefully, you’ll stop here when you arrive). The visitor center also has a cafe where you can enjoy a craft beer while admiring the stunning views of Mount Shasta—an unforgettable experience!

Check Out the Chaos Crags

The Chaos Crags are a group of unique volcanic formations located near the summit of Lassen Peak. The crags are accessible via the Lassen Peak Trail and offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

Visit Manzanita Lake

Manzanita Lake is another popular spot for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding. The lake is located near the Manzanita Lake Campground and is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Enjoy the Scenery at Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is one of the best places to enjoy the unique scenery in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The lake is located near the trailhead for the Bumpass Hell Trail, which I highly recommend while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park, and offers stunning views of Lassen Peak and Mount Shasta.

Where to Stay in Lassen Volcanic Park

There are several great places to stay within Lassen Volcanic National Park and nearby towns like Redding. The park area has ample places to camp as well as some great park lodges if you’re not up for roughing it. 

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds

There are seven campgrounds located within Lassen Volcanic National Park. All of the campgrounds offer stunning views and access to hiking trails, but pay attention to their location and proximity to trails you want to hike. The two most popular are Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake. 

Manzanita Lake Campground

The Manzanita Lake Campground is the largest in Lassen Volcanic National Park and the most popular among visitors. This also means it tends to book up quickly and requires reservations to be made well in advance. The campground is located steps from Manzanita Lake. It is perfect for families and those looking to enjoy all the water activities Manzanita Lake offers.

Butte Lake Campground

Butte Lake Campground is located near Butte Lake, and it is more remote than most of the other campgrounds in Lassen Park. If you plan on showing up and hoping a campsite is open, this is the one to choose. The campground is located at the end of a six-mile gravel road. It is perfect for those looking for a quieter and more rustic camping experience. This is also the best campground for hiking the Cinder Cone and exploring the pumice fields.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Lodges & Hotels 

There are two lodges located within close proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park. These are ideal options if you’re traveling with people who aren’t keen on camping, or if you’re visiting when the weather is less than ideal. 

St. Bernard Lodge

The St. Bernard Lodge is located just outside of the park boundary in the small town of Chester. The lodge has seven rooms and is the perfect location for those wanting to visit Lassen Park without a long drive. A full breakfast is included in your stay, and the lodge offers a bar and dining on-site.

Highlands Ranch Resort

The Highlands Ranch Resort is situated about 10 miles from the entrance to Lassen Volcanic in the charming town of Mill Creek. It is a destination resort with seven elegant cottages, modern amenities, fireplaces, restaurant, and a stunning 175 acres to marvel at from the large deck. You can even get packed lunches for the park from the restaurant and assistance in booking other adventures like horseback riding, wine tasting, or fly fishing.

Unlock New Experiences in Lassen Volcanic National Park

If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, you can’t go wrong visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park. This park is a geologist’s paradise with its bubbling mud pots and steaming vents. With so much to see and do, Lassen Volcanic National Park is perfect for families or anyone who wants to experience the power of nature first-hand. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip today!

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