10 Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen is the least-visited volcano park in the lower 48, and one of the most varied. It has the geothermal features of a small Yellowstone, the summit of a real volcano, and quiet lakes and waterfalls, and this is how I'd rank what's worth doing.

Best Time of Year to Visit, and Why

I'd go from July through September. The park road is open, the snow has melted off the main trails, and the wildflowers peak in mid-July. September is quiet and clear, with cooler nights and fewer bugs.

In winter the road is closed, and the park is a snowshoe and ski destination. Snow can stay on the high trails into July.

How Lassen Volcanic Compares to Yellowstone

They're both geothermal parks, so here's how I'd choose.

	Lassen Volcanic	Yellowstone
Headline	Boiling mud pots, a volcano summit, and quiet lakes	The world's largest collection of geysers
Scale	A compact park with a 30-mile road	A huge park with multiple days of driving
Crowds	Light, even in summer	Heavy in July and August
Wildlife	Deer, black bears, and birds	Bison, elk, wolves, and bears
Best for	A quiet, easy volcano trip	A big, classic national park trip

If I could only pick one, I'd choose Yellowstone for the scale and the wildlife. I'd choose Lassen if I wanted similar thermal features without the crowds.

Hiking Checklist — Lassen Volcanic National Park

Snow, altitude, and thermal ground drive my kit here:

1. Warm layers and a windbreaker — the summit is cold and windy even in July.
2. Sturdy boots — trails are rocky, and snow patches can linger.
3. Sunglasses and sunscreen — the sun is strong at elevation, and snow reflects it.
4. Insect repellent — mosquitoes are bad near the lakes in July.
5. Plenty of water — the Bumpass Hell trail has limited shade.
6. A full tank of gas — there is no fuel inside the park.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

1. 1. Hike Bumpass Hell

   A boardwalk through the park's largest hydrothermal area, with boiling mud pots and fumaroles. Stay on the boardwalk. 3 mi RT, moderate, 2–3 hrs.

2. 2. Climb Lassen Peak

   A 2,000-foot climb to a 10,457-foot volcanic summit with views to Mount Shasta. 5 mi RT, strenuous, 4–5 hrs.

3. 3. Walk around Manzanita Lake

   A flat loop with a reflection of Lassen Peak on a calm morning. 1.7 mi loop, easy, 1 hr.

4. 4. See Kings Creek Falls

   A shaded trail to a series of cascades in a narrow canyon. 2.8 mi RT, moderate, 1.5–2 hrs.

5. 5. Climb the Cinder Cone

   A steep climb up a perfect cinder cone, with views of the Painted Dunes. 4 mi RT, strenuous, 3 hrs.

6. 6. Stop at Sulphur Works

   A roadside thermal area with steaming vents, right off the park road. 15–20 min.

7. 7. Walk the Devastated Area

   A paved loop through the area flattened by the 1915 eruption. 0.5 mi loop, easy, 30 min.

8. 8. Visit Lake Helen

   A high alpine lake on the park road, with Lassen Peak rising above it. Roadside, 15–30 min.

9. 9. Hike to Mill Creek Falls

   The park's tallest waterfall, through shaded forest. 3.6 mi RT, moderate, 2–3 hrs.

10. 10. Soak at Drakesbad

    A remote guest ranch with a naturally heated pool, open to day visitors for meals by reservation. A special, seasonal stop.

Trail stats, snow conditions, and road openings are accurate as of publication but change — always confirm current conditions, road status, and reservation rules at nps.gov/lavo before you go.