In this guide, we will cover the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Discover the best hiking trails, scenic drives, and a few hidden gems that are definitely worth your time. We’ll also provide information on where to stay, how to plan your time, and the ideal time of year to visit.
Stand on top of the world’s largest plug dome volcano, explore bubbling hydrothermal basins, photograph crystal-clear alpine lakes, and wander across landscapes shaped by lava…these are just a few of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a compact yet incredibly diverse park that is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and road trippers alike.
We visited Lassen Volcanic in September 2025 (park #53 of 63!) as part of a larger road trip through the Pacific Northwest. When we travel to a park, we don’t just check it off in a day, and Lassen Volcanic is no different. During our three very busy days, we hiked the top trails in the park and also explored lesser-known areas, such as Warner Valley.
We quickly learned that Lassen Volcanic is one of the most underrated national parks in the US. With its hydrothermal areas and its trails that summit volcanoes, it feels like a blend of Yellowstone and Mount Rainier. There are several amazing trails to hike, along with some unique experiences, such as hiking to the top of a cinder cone volcano.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a multi-day itinerary, this guide covers the very best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park. We’ve included the top hikes, scenic drives, lakes, and hidden gems to help you make the most of your visit to this volcanic wonderland.
The Essentials
WHERE | California
DON’T MISS | Bumpass Hell, Lassen Peak, Lake Helen, the scenic drive along Highway 89
HIDDEN GEMS | Cinder Cone Trail and the view from Brokeoff Mountain
HOW MUCH TIME | 1 to 3 days
WHEN | Mid-July through September
What Makes Lassen Volcanic Special?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California. Protecting an area of over 106,000 acres (431 km2), the park is full of hydrothermal areas, volcanoes, alpine lakes, forests, and more.
The park contains all four types of volcanoes in the world: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome.
Lassen Peak, the centerpiece of the park, is the world’s largest plug dome volcano at a height of 10,457 feet (3,187 meters).
Lassen Volcanic was founded on August 9, 1916, one year after Lassen Peak’s dramatic eruption in 1915. In spectacular fashion, Lassen blasted out a 1,000-foot-wide crater, spreading volcanic ash over 200 miles away and reshaping the surrounding landscape. The national park was established the following year to preserve the area’s rich hydrothermal features and natural beauty.
A Brief Geography Lesson
Lassen Volcanic is broken up into five regions: the Southwest and Manzanita & Summit Lakes regions to the west, Warner Valley to the south, Juniper Lake to the southeast, and Butte Lake to the northeast.
The western regions of Lassen Volcanic are more mountainous and feature many of the park’s top sites. These sit along Highway 89, the main park highway that connects Lassen Volcanic’s southwest and northwest entrances.
The eastern regions (Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley) are more remote, notable for their larger lakes and forests. As a result, they’re often less visited and make for some incredibly underrated experiences.
Map of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (Highway 89) is blue and the road into Warner Valley is red. It is important to know that these two roads do not connect.
Here is another map of Lassen Volcanic that you can save to your Google account.
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
About the Altitude: Some trails in the western region of the park, such as the Bumpass Hell Trail and Lassen Peak Trail, start at 8,000 feet. It’s not uncommon to feel the effects of hiking at high altitude here, especially if you’re not acclimated. Although it’s normal to feel a slight increase in fatigue, stay alert for early signs of altitude sickness like dizziness, nausea, or headaches. If you start to show these signs, descend rapidly. Altitude sickness is not a major concern at these elevations, but it is still a possible risk.
Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic
Below we list 14 very memorable things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park. But if you are short on time or just looking for the highlights, here are our top 5 must-have experiences in Lassen Volcanic:
- Summit a Volcano. Follow thrilling hiking trails and enjoy spectacular views over the surrounding landscape. These are some of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes in the national park. Lassen Peak, Brokeoff Mountain, and Cinder Cone are three options.
- Bumpass Hell. Get up-close with steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots in Lassen Volcanic’s largest hydrothermal area.
- Drive Highway 89. This scenic drive offers incredible views over hydrothermal areas, serene lakes, valleys, and mountains. Many of the park’s best things also lie along this road.
- Stroll along a lake. Enjoy a peaceful stroll along an alpine lake. Our favorites are Lake Helen and Reflection Lake.
- Explore Warner Valley. This remote area of the park offers great hiking trails and a quieter alternative to more popular sites.
Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.
1. Drive through the Park on Highway 89
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ From this scenic drive, you can see the highlights of the park. It’s the quickest, easiest way to see the iconic sights, such as Lassen Peak and several alpine lakes.
Highway 89 (aka Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) is a 30-mile scenic drive that winds through the western region of the park, featuring many of Lassen Volcanic’s top sites.
Pass through the steaming thermal vents of Sulphur Works, ride alongside Emerald Lake and Lake Helen, snake around Lassen Peak, and enjoy plenty of great views over the surrounding valleys and mountains.
Lassen Peak
The drive takes about an hour without stops, but it’s best done as a full-day adventure, allowing time to visit the sites along the way. Starting at the southwest entrance, visit Sulphur Works and hike Bumpass Hell early when there are fewer people, then work your way north to Lassen Peak, Kings Creek, and Lake Manzanita.
We drove Highway 89 several times on our visit, and it’s beautiful all day. The most scenic section is between the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and the Kings Creek Trailhead, a twisting, turning 12-mile stretch of road that runs through the most mountainous part of Lassen Volcanic.
Photo taken between the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Emerald Lake.
Kings Creek Meadow, with some clouds around Lassen Peak
2. Hike Out to Bumpass Hell
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ See the largest thermal area in the park. This is our favorite short hike in Lassen Volcanic.
TRAIL STATS: Distance: 2.7 miles round-trip | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate | Time: 1 to 3 hours
The Bumpass Hell Trail (isn’t that the best name for a hiking trail? 🤣) is one of the most popular hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s great for all ages and it explores the largest hydrothermal area within the park.
This 3-mile round-trip hike is located on Highway 89, near Lassen Peak and Lake Helen. I hiked this trail twice and it stands out as one of my favorite experiences in the park.
The trail winds along a mountainside, offering views out over Lake Helen, the valley below, and the surrounding peaks before descending into Bumpass Hell. Once here, you’ll find a small boardwalk loop that leads through the hyrdothermal area. Along the way, you’ll enjoy up-close views of steaming fumaroles and boiling mud pots as you explore this otherworldly landscape.
Since Bumpass Hell is so popular, we recommend getting here early to avoid the crowds. You may also struggle to find parking in the afternoon. If that’s the case, park at Lake Helen and walk up the small hill to join the Bumpass Hell Trail, saving you a few minutes of hiking.
The Bumpass Hell Trail, An Essential Hike in Lassen Volcanic
Step-by-step trail guide for the Bumpass Hell Trail.GOOD TO KNOW: This trail generally opens in mid-July and closes in November. The remainder of the year it is snow-covered. You can see historical opening and closing dates here.
DON’T MISS: For a cool photo of the park, don’t miss the massive boulder that sits on the far end of the parking lot. From here, you get panoramic views of Lassen Volcanic (photo below).
Photo taken at the Bumpass Hell parking lot
3. Visit Sulphur Works
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Most easily accessible thermal area in the park; not as interesting as Bumpass Hell, but you’ll drive right through it, so it’s quick and easy to see.
This small hydrothermal area sits right on Highway 89, about a mile north of the park’s southwest entrance. You will drive right through it as you explore the park, but we recommend stopping and seeing Sulphur Works on foot for a few minutes.
Fumaroles and mud pots dot the roadside. Sulphur Works is a quite impressive hydrothermal area and one of the most accessible sites within the park. For many parkgoers, this is your first chance to see steam vents and take in the sulfuric scent of rotten eggs.
There’s a parking lot here with bathrooms, along with the Ridge Lakes trailhead. This short but steep trail leads out to two alpine lakes. Although there are better hikes that we recommend, this is a good add-on if you have extra time.
4. Photograph Emerald Lake
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This alpine lake is located on Highway 89. It’s another quick stop on the scenic drive through the park.
This vibrant green lake gets its color from the shallow vegetation beneath its surface. On sunny days, Emerald Lake is especially colorful, with its green hue glowing amidst the surrounding mountainside.
Emerald Lake makes for a quick and easy stop as you drive through the park. There’s a small pullout along the road for parking, and while there’s no defined trail around the lake, you can step onto the lakebed for a closer look. Just be careful to avoid walking over the fragile wildflowers that grow along the shore.
Just a minute south of Lake Helen, Emerald Lake is an easy stop along Highway 89, perfect for taking in the view before continuing your drive.
5. Enjoy the View at Lake Helen
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-visit for the classic photo of iconic Lake Helen with Lassen Peak in the background; one of our favorite photography locations in Lassen Volcanic.
This high-alpine lake is situated at the base of Lassen Peak, creating an impressive backdrop for photos. Unlike Emerald Lake, Lake Helen shines a bright blue and is several times larger.
Lake Helen is located on Highway 89. There is a roadside pull-out where you can take the photo with Lassen Peak in the background. Here’s the view ↓
If you continue up Highway 89 in the direction of Lassen Peak, there are a few more pullouts where you can get elevated views of the lake, which are also quite nice.
Lake Helen with Brokeoff Mountain in the background
BEST TIME FOR PHOTOGRAPHY: This is best mid-morning, when skies are clear. Mid-morning to midday, clouds can start to appear around Lassen Peak (when we were here in September, clouds started moving in around 10 am), making morning the best time for photos of Lassen Peak cloud-free.
6. Stand on Top of Lassen Peak
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ For avid hikers, this is a must-do! Stand on the highest point of the park and enjoy the amazing panoramic views of Lassen Volcanic. This is Tyler and Tim’s favorite hike in Lassen Volcanic.
TRAIL STATS: Distance: 4.8 miles | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 2,060 feet (628 meters) | Time: 2.5 to 5 hours
The Lassen Peak Trail is not only one of the most popular hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it also leads to the tallest point in the park at 10,457 feet (3,187 meters). Along the way, you’ll enjoy some of the best views within the park and get the chance to stand atop the largest plug dome volcano in the world.
Hikers follow a 2.5-mile-long trail up to the summit of Lassen Peak. Expect a steady and constant climb to the top. No mountaineering experience is required and the trail itself is very simple to follow, but the constant uphill march can be strenuous.
The views along the trail are incredible. With an exposed trail and high elevation, you’ll constantly be able to look out over the national park below, spotting iconic sights such as Lake Helen and Brokeoff Mountain. The view from the summit is even better, with 360-degree views over dozens of surrounding mountains, valleys, and lakes. On a clear day, you can even spot the towering Mount Shasta to the north.
PRO TIP: We recommend starting this hike early in the morning, no later than 9:00 am. Afternoon clouds frequently roll in and cover the summit, also bringing a potential for storms. You don’t want to put all that effort in just to have no view!
We cover this hike in detail in our guide to Lassen Peak ↓
Lassen Peak Trail: Step-By-Step Trail Guide, Photos & Stats
See more photos, get a detailed trail description, plus many tips to help you have the best hike.7. Get Panoramic Views from Brokeoff Mountain
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is a tough hike, but the trail is beautiful and constantly changing, which keeps things interesting. Plus, you get a spectacular view of Lassen Peak from the summit. This is Julie’s favorite hike in Lassen Volcanic.
TRAIL STATS: Distance: 7.2 miles (11.6 km) | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 2,560 feet (780 meters) | Time: 3 to 6 hours
The Brokeoff Mountain trail is one of the top hiking trails within Lassen Volcanic National Park. With a hike through moss-covered groves that seem ripped from a fairytale and incredible 360-degree views over the park, this trail arguably became one of our favorite hikes within the national park. You also get a stunning view of Lassen Peak from the summit.
The Brokeoff Mountain trail is a route less traveled, as many hikers prefer to summit Lassen Peak or walk the Bumpass Hell Trail. We only saw a handful of people during the three hours we spent hiking. This is a great option for those who want amazing summit views while avoiding the crowds.
We did this hike on a cloudy day. The peaks were clear at the start of the hike, but unfortunately, right before we reached the Brokeoff Mountain summit, it clouded in. We had zero visibility from the peak, but still loved this hike from start to finish.
The terrain is constantly changing, with the trail running through moss-covered forests, tranquil glens, and the rocky peak of Brokeoff Mountain. This is a hike where the journey is just as memorable as the destination.
On the trail to Brokeoff Mountain (first clouds moving in)
Here’s the view from the peak when Brokeoff Mountain is clouded in
Here’s the view from the peak on a clear day | shutterstock.com
It’s best to start this hike early in the morning, no later than 9:00 am, reducing the chances that the peaks will cloud in before you get there. In the afternoon, clouds roll in and typically conceal the peaks within the national park. For the best views from the summit, we recommend starting early.
WHERE IS IT? The trailhead for Brokeoff Mountain is a half-mile from the national park’s southwest entrance, sitting just outside the park.
8. Hike to Kings Creek Falls
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This hike leads to a waterfall. It can be done in about an hour but be prepared for a hill climb to complete the loop. It’s worth it if you have two or more days in Lassen Volcanic.
TRAIL STATS: Distance: 2.5 miles (4.1 km) | Difficulty: Moderate | Total Ascent: 575 feet (175 meters) | Time: 1 to 2 hours
Kings Creek Falls is a scenic, 30-foot-high waterfall. To get here, hikers will follow a 2.5-mile loop through the Upper Cascades and forests ravaged by the 2021 Dixie Fire. Trees remain blackened and barren, with no leaves or foliage on many of them, but it makes for an interesting area to walk through.
We found Kings Creek Falls to be quite peaceful. We never saw many people along the trail and had the overlook of the falls to ourselves.
It is an interesting hike, but not an absolute must-do. It is deceptively challenging, ending with a moderate hill climb. Most of the hike is through a forest scarred by wildfires, and the waterfall isn’t overly impressive.
WHERE IS IT? The trailhead for Kings Creek Falls is directly along Highway 89. There is parallel park along the road’s shoulder, which is limited.
9. Devastated Area Interpretive Trail & Hot Rock
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Perfect for those who want to learn more about the volcanic eruption.
This short interpretive trail showcases the destruction and aftermath of Mount Lassen’s 1915 eruption. The trail loops past giant volcanic rocks and boulders, complete with informative signs that give context to what you see.
This 0.3-mile trail is flat and easy to follow. This is a great option for those who want to stretch their legs and learn more about Lassen’s eruption.
Just up the road is Hot Rock, a giant volcanic rock that was hurled from Mount Lassen during its 1915 eruption. The rock gets its name from the fact that, even several days after the eruption, the rock was still hot to the touch. Hot Rock is located right along Highway 89, making for a quick and easy visit.
Hot Rock
10. Go for a Stroll Around Manzanita Lake
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ One of the easiest hikes in the park and a popular place to photograph Lassen Peak.
This lake is located near Lassen Volcanic’s northwest entrance. This is another popular photography location, to capture the reflection of Lassen Peak in an alpine lake.
A 2-mile flat trail circles the lake, and it takes about an hour to walk the whole loop. On calm days, it’s possible to see the reflection of Lassen Peak on the lake.
Julie walked the entire loop trail, with the best views of Lassen Peak located along the northern and western sides of the loop.
The best time for photography is in the mid-to-late afternoon. Our photos were taken late morning, when Lassen Peak is still a bit backlit.
There’s also a large campground where you’ll find cabins, bathrooms, parking, and a general store. Visitors can also rent kayaks at the boat launch area.
PARKING: Park in the large lot next to the Loomis Museum. From this lot, you can visit Manzanita and Reflection Lakes.
11. Or Go for a Shorter Walk Around Reflection Lake
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Manzanita Lake might be more popular, but this lake is smaller, so it takes less time to walk around it, and we liked the views from this lake more.
Reflection Lake is much smaller than Manzanita but also less visited. We only saw one other couple here since most people visit Manzanita. This made for a much more peaceful experience, and a quieter alternative to the Manzanita Lake Loop.
Along the 0.7-mile walk, catch reflections of Lassen Peak and the Chaos Crags on a calm, clear day.
With extra time, you can add on the Lily Pond Trail. This short, forested path connects to the Reflection Lake Trail, showcasing a series of lilyponds. The Lily Pond Trail adds on an extra half-mile, but we didn’t find this worth it, as the views are best from around the lake itself.
Reflection Lake is located across the street from Manzanita Lake and the Loomis Museum. We recommend using the large parking lot at the Loomis Museum on your visit here.
12. Visit the Loomis Museum
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ There are some interesting photos and information about the eruption. It’s not worth going out of your way to see, but if you’re planning to visit Manzanita or Reflection Lakes, it’s worth popping in.
Benjamin Franklin Loomis was an American photographer who captured photos of the 1914-1915 eruptions of Lassen Peak. His pictures garnered national attention for the area, showcasing the beauty of Lassen as it dramatically reshaped the landscape.
Today visitors can view Loomis’ photography collection and learn more about the photographer. This museum is tiny and quick to visit. A visit is free and worth a quick look inside if you’ll be at Manzanita or Reflection Lake.
13. The Underrated (But Tough!) Cinder Cone Hike
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The most unique hike in the park. It’s in a remote part of the park, but definitely worth the time and effort to journey out here for the views and the one-of-a-kind experience.
TRAIL STATS: 3.8 miles (6.1 km) round trip | Difficulty: Strenuous | Total Ascent: 900 feet (275 meters) | Time: 1.5 to 3 hours
Hike past towering lava fields, through forests covered in black volcanic sand, and climb to the top of a cinder cone volcano. From the volcano’s rim, overlook massive lava fields known as the Fantastic Lava Beds, the nearby Butte Lake and Snag Lake, and even catch a glimpse of Lassen Peak off in the distance.
Cinder Cone with Lassen Peak in the background
Painted Dunes
Cinder Cone lies within the remote, northeast section of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trailhead is at Butte Lake Campground, at the end of a 6.6-mile gravel road that connects to Route 44.
This less-traveled route is perfect for hikers who want to stand atop a volcano but avoid the crowds and difficulty that comes with the Lassen Peak hike. Not to mention, the trail only takes 2 to 3 hours to complete, so it’s a great addition to a Lassen Volcanic itinerary.
14. Hike through Warner Valley
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ For those who prefer quieter hiking trails and low crowds, this gets ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. But if you have limited time in Lassen Volcanic (just a day), it’s better to spend your time along Highway 89.
Warner Valley is a small, remote region of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This region features a handful of underrated hiking trails that lead to hydrothermal complexes. With its remote location, you’ll find far fewer people here than at sites along Highway 89.
The best thing to do in Warner Valley is to hike the Devil’s Kitchen Trail and the Boiling Springs Lake Trail. Both trails begin from the Warner Valley Campground, a 35-minute drive from the town of Chester.
Devil’s Kitchen is the second-largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a peaceful two-mile one-way walk through meadows and forests before reaching Devil’s Kitchen. Here, you’ll walk along boardwalks, get up close to steaming fumaroles, and watch mud pots violently boil. This is a great alternative to Bumpass Hell if you’re looking for a quieter experience. We were the only ones on the trail when we hiked in September 2025.
Boiling Springs Lake is a steaming hydrothermal lake within Warner Valley. Follow a forested trail that leads out to and circles Boiling Springs Lake, featuring a number of viewpoints and small steam vents that line the multi-colored shore.
Since a portion of the Boiling Springs Lake Trail is shared with Devil’s Kitchen, we recommend hiking both trails together. This makes for a great half-day hike full of forest walks, a scenic hydrothermal lake, and a dramatic thermal region in a less-visited section of the park. The combined trail is 6.7 miles long and will take most hikers 2 to 3 hours to complete.
As a bonus, you will hike a tiny portion of the Pacific Crest Trail.
We visited Warner Valley on our first day in Lassen Volcanic. Things we liked about this area were the quiet hiking trails (we saw just a small handful of people) and exploring the thermal area. However, the Bumpass Hell Trail is more interesting and easier to get to, whereas the Devil’s Kitchen Trail is nice to do with two or more days in Lassen Volcanic.
BONUS: Subway Cave Lava Tubes
Our Rating: ⭐️⭐️ Good to see, if you like caves, but we don’t think it’s worth going out of your way to get here.
The Subway Cave Lava Tubes are technically not located inside of Lassen Volcanic National Park. They are located near the intersection of Highway 89 and Highway 44, north of Manzanita Lake.
These giant, walkable lava tubes were formed during Lassen’s 1914-1915 eruptions. It’s a short 0.3-mile walk through the cave system and worth a quick visit with extra time.
We recommend bringing a flashlight and a jacket. Temperatures hover around 46°F (8°C) and it gets extremely dark within the caves. However, claustrophobia shouldn’t be too much of a concern, as the ceiling is anywhere from 6 to 20 feet high.
Things We Did That Are Skippable
Summit Lake: This is a pretty lake, but we didn’t find it very interesting. Manzanita, Reflection, Emerald Lakes, and Lake Helen are all much more captivating.
Hat Creek Lake and Trailhead: This trail runs along a marshy area. You do get a view of Lassen Peak, but Hat Creek looks more like a marsh than a lake.
How Much Time Do You Need in Lassen Volcanic?
Visitors to Lassen Volcanic can see the highlights in one day, but we encourage at least two to three days within the park. This gives you more time to explore some remote regions and complete a few hikes, and provides contingency time in case of poor weather.
With two full days you can see all the top sites along Highway 89, complete a few hikes, and visit either Warner Valley or Cinder Cone. Just keep your fingers crossed for good weather so you can see the peaks, such as Lassen and Brokeoff.
Three days gives you more time to acclimate to the park’s high elevation, allowing you to hike both Brokeoff Mountain and Lassen Peak. With a third day, you’ll also have more contingency time in the case of poor weather.
What We Did: We spent three days thoroughly exploring Lassen Volcanic. On our first day, we hiked through Warner Valley in the morning and then it rained for the rest of the day. Our second day started early with a hike to the top of Brokeoff Mountain, finishing late morning. Afterwards we drove Highway 89 and visited the stops along the way, hiking both the Bumpass Hell and Kings Creek Fall trails. On the morning of day 3, we hiked to the top of Lassen Peak, I hiked Bumpass Hell a second time, and then we visited Manzanita and Reflection Lakes, hiked Cinder Cone, and continued north into Oregon. Our visit was early September.
2 Days in Lassen Volcanic
We recommend 2 days in Lassen Volcanic to see the highlights, with more time if you’d like to further explore the park.
Here is a sample 2-day Lassen Volcanic Itinerary:
Day 1: Drive Highway 89 from south to north, visiting Sulphur Works and Bumpass Hell in the morning. Enjoy the views over Lake Helen, hike the Kings Creek Trail, and spend an afternoon at Manzanita Lake.
Day 2: Wake up early to hike either Brokeoff Mountain or Lassen Peak, earning some of the best views in the national park. Spend your afternoon exploring either Warner Valley or the Butte Lake region, complete with an afternoon hike.
Lake Helen and Lassen Peak
When is the Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic?
The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic is from mid-July through September. During this narrow window, the park’s roads and hiking trails will be cleared of snow, and you’ll have warm weather suitable for outdoor adventures.
Highway 89, the main road through the national park, is cleared of snow in late spring. The road typically opens sometime between mid-May to early July, depending on the amount of snowfall the park receives. You can see the opening dates of the road here.
Many of the national park’s hiking trails open later in the summer, typically in June or July (for example, the Bumpass Hell Trail normally opens mid-July). Due to the park’s high elevation, these trails are snow-covered for most of the year, so hiking is only an option for several months out of the year.
We visited Lassen Volcanic in early September and had a wonderful experience. Temperatures were cool, especially in the morning, so we had to start our hikes with an extra layer. However, there are fewer visitors to the national park at this time, and we had several trails all to ourselves. We also didn’t need to worry about trail closures due to snow.
As you plan your trip and just before you go, visit the National Park Service website for updates on trail and road closures.
Highway 89 and Lassen Peak with a bit of snow. This photo was taken after a rainy day, and at the higher elevations, this was a dusting of snow.
Where to Stay
Inside of Lassen Volcanic National Park, there is lodging at the Manzanita Lake Cabins and at Drakesbad Guest Ranch (in Warner Valley). There are eight campgrounds scattered throughout the park.
Outside of the park, the best place to stay is Chester, a small town located east of Lassen Volcanic National Park. From Chester, it’s a 30-mile, 40-minute drive to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
We stayed at the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn and were pleasantly surprised. This Best Western was clean, very quiet, and had a homey feel to it. We would not hesitate to stay here again.
Antlers Inn is another highly rated hotel in Chester.
RESTAURANTS IN CHESTER: In Chester, our favorite restaurant is Timber House Brewery (great food, rustic ambience, good beer and wine). We ate dinner twice at Mi Casita (Mexican), a restaurant that was always busy. Lola’s Family Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. We had lunch here one day while waiting out rain that was moving through the park.
A little farther away, in Lake Almanor, the Cedar Ridge Retreat is a 4-bedroom house perfect for families and small groups.
Red Bluff is farther from the park (52 miles, 1 hour drive to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center) but it has a lot more options, both in terms of hotels and restaurants. The Triangle Motel, Hampton Inn & Suites Red Bluff, and Comfort Suites Red Bluff are the highest rated hotels. We stocked up on groceries and snacks at Raley’s, a large, very well-stocked grocery store.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you only did one thing in Lassen Volcanic, what would it be?
If you only did one thing, we have two recommendations depending on your fitness level and interests. Our first recommendation is to visit Bumpass Hell, the park’s largest hydrothermal region. Along this short but sweet hiking trail, you get fantastic views of fumaroles and the surrounding mountains. For those who enjoy challenging hikes, the best thing to do would be to summit Lassen Peak. Getting the chance to stand atop the highest point in the national park is an unbeatable experience.
Is there cellular service in the park?
Cellular service is limited within Lassen Volcanic National Park. We found it to be spotty throughout our visit, and cell service was strongest from the tops of peaks such as Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain. Don’t depend on using your phone to send texts, emails, or pictures.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, with some restrictions. Pets are not permitted on hiking trails within Lassen Volcanic or inside visitor centers. You can walk your pet along the roadside and visit sites such as Sulphur Works or Lake Helen, but they must remain on a leash.
Do I need a reservation to visit Lassen Volcanic?
You do not need a reservation to visit Lassen Volcanic, however, you will need one to stay in select park campgrounds. Check the official National Park Service website to learn more. For national parks that do require a timed entry ticket or a permit in advance, read our guide to the US National Parks that Require Advance Reservations.
If you have any questions about the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park, let us know in the comment section below.
Plan Your Trip to California
How to Plan a Trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park With steaming fumaroles, boiling hot springs, and volcanoes galore, Lassen Volcanic is an underrated gem amongst Californian national parks. Here you can hike to the summit of active volcanoes, wander through bubbling hydrothermal basins, and explore landscapes carved by lava flows. Lassen Volcanic is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and road […]
Best of Pinnacles: 5 Thrilling Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is one of the smallest and least visited national parks in the United States. The list of things to do in Pinnacles National Park is relatively short and unexpectedly awesome. We loved this park, with its thrilling, unique hiking trails, its gorgeous reservoir and caves, and a chance to spot California Condors. […]
30 Epic Things to Do in Yosemite for First-Timers
Yosemite National Park is packed with famous landmarks, awesome hikes, and breathtaking views. If you are planning your first trip to Yosemite, how do you know what to do? I am a big fan of lists (and photos!). In this post, I list the best things to do in Yosemite: the best landmarks to visit, […]
5 Amazing Things to Do in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park is our favorite of the Redwood National and State Parks. In this guide, we’ll share our must-do hikes and scenic drives, plus how to see the best of the park with a one day itinerary. Jedediah Smith Redwoods is one of the four parks that make up Redwoods National and […]
How to Plan a Trip to Redwood National & State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks Home to some of the tallest trees on Earth, Redwood National and State Parks protect some of the last remaining groves of old-growth coastal redwoods. Wallking amongst these giants feels like stepping into another world. Trees reach heights over 300 feet tall and some are more than 2,000 years old. […]
25 Best Things to Do in San Francisco
What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of San Francisco? The Golden Gate Bridge? The legend and the stories of Alcatraz? Cable cars climbing up and down the steep hills of the city? San Francisco is a big city, filled with lots of things to do. It has a colorful […]
One Day Itinerary for Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks
Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks sit side by side in central California. Filled with alpine peaks, deep canyons, and the largest trees in the world, you could spend several days here. However, if you only have one day, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of both parks. We visited Kings Canyon […]
One Perfect Day in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a gem of a state park. With desert landscapes, slot canyons and dirt roads to explore, and hidden oases, this is a great place to add to your itinerary, if you will be visiting southern California. In this guide, we cover how to spend one day in Anza-Borrego Desert State […]
20 Epic Things to Do in Death Valley National Park
Death Valley…just the name inspires a sense of wonder and mystery. With barren salt flats, towering mountains, mysterious sailing stones, shifting sand dunes, rainbow-colored mountains, and canyons to explore, there is a lot to do here. In this post, learn about the best things to do in Death Valley National Park, with suggestions on how […]
Our 15 Favorite US National Parks: A Few May Surprise You
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what […]
The Ultimate Guide to the 63 US National Parks
Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States to the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures preserve iconic landscapes, majestic mountains, primordial forests, arid deserts, misty coastlines, immense canyons, wildlife, and historic landmarks. The opportunities for adventure are endless. Hiking, rock climbing, rafting, mountain biking, sand boarding, horseback riding, mountaineering, canyoneering, and […]
United States Travel Guide: Places to Visit in the USA
Plan your visit to the United States. Learn about the best things to do, how to plan your time, road trip ideas, and sample itineraries.
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