Things to Do at Lassen Volcanic National Park

California has some amazing National Parks that protect some of the most diverse and beautiful places in the country. Home to eight National Parks and many more national historic sites that protect marine life, mountains, deep valleys, sand dunes, desert, redwood trees, volcanoes and miles of wilderness.

Lassen Volcanic is one of 8 California National Parks 

Yosemite, Joshua Tree and Death Valley are perhaps the most well-known California parks but one of my personal favorites is Lassen Volcanic National Park. Located just south of the border with Oregon on California’s North Eastern Corner.  Lassen is a vibrant and mesmerizing park, full of volcanoes that have shaped a colorful and rugged landscape, dotted with glacier lakes, beautiful forest, hot springs and incredible hiking.

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Watch the video to explore the park!

Teddy Roosevelt helped make Lassen Volcanic into a National Monument back in 1907 and a few years later in 1916 it became a National Park. Part of the ring of fire the area has more than a dozen volcanoes several of which are still active.  I visited in September and was welcomed into the park with thousands of wildflowers. I had just two days to explore the park and was able to see a lot! Here are some of the best things to see and do while you are in the park.
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Manzanita Lake

Manzanita Lake is a can’t-miss area of the park. One of the park entrances, as well as the general store and main cabins and campground, are found right on the shores of the lake and the view of Lassen Peak which you can see from the water cannot be beaten. Manzanita Lake is a great place to camp for those spending a few nights in the park and wanting to be near services and food. You can also rent kayaks or canoes to use on the lake for an afternoon of daydreaming or trout fishing.
Speaking of lodgings, outside of the cabins and campgrounds within Lassen Volcanic some of the best places to stay are in nearby lakeside Vacation Rentals, or in the nearby city of Redding, just 45 minutes away.

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Bumpass Hell

Bumpass Hell is the most hydrothermal area in the park, filled with mud pots, steam vents and bubbling areas of earth. Fed by the underground Lassen Hydrothermal area which goes through much of the park, water and steam here have reached temperatures as high as 322°F, while some of the waterways may look safe, they are typically very acidic and not suitable for bathing. This area can be reached via two different trails. The 3 mile Bumpass Hell Loop Trail as well as a 5.2-mile round-trip trail from Kings Creek Picnic Area via Cold Boiling Lake. For more information visit the National Park Service. 
Note: This trail typically does not open until early to mid July due to heavy snow pack. 

Cooling my feet in Lake Helen

After the often hot walk to Bumpass Hell, the best way to cool off is a quick dip in the icy coolness of Lake Helen. This glacial lake is located just down the road from the parking lot to Bumpass Hell. When I visited there were a few people swimming in the icy waters, which may not be for everyone, but I would recommend taking off your hiking boots and sticking your feet in for a few. It was quite refreshing. In the backdrop of Lake Helen you will see the backside of Lassen Peak. The lake is named for Helen Tanner Brodt who was the first women to reach the top of Lassen Peak in 1864.