Welcome to Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Here you’ll find tips for visiting the best Lassen Volcanic National Park has to offer as you make your way along Lassen Volcanic National Highway, the park’s premier scenic drive. Whether you’re spending one day or more, you’ll find plenty to see and do.
Information is subject to change, so check the Lassen Volcanic National Park website for the most current information before you go.
ABOUT LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California at the southern end of the Cascade Mountains. A volcanic mountain range, the Cascades extend from southern British Columbia to Lassen National Park, with Lassen Peak standing guard as the southernmost active volcano in the range. Lassen Peak experienced a series of mighty eruptions from 1914 to 1917, but is currently inactive. Other thermal features in the park, including mudpots and fumaroles, remain very active, and are one the big draws for visitors.
But Lassen isn’t all about steam vents and sulfur – the scenery here is fantastic, with hikes to suit all abilities. During our visit, we stuck to the western side of the park along Lassen Volcanic National Highway, which is what this guide covers.
This is just the tip of the iceberg; while the sights and hikes of the western region are enough to keep you busy for days, there’s much more to explore. Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley provide access to the eastern side of the park and its vast backcountry. However, each of these areas can only be reached through their own unique entrance stations. Since it can easily take an hour or two just to drive from one Lassen park entrance to another, the east sees far fewer visitors than the west.
- Because Lassen is a National Park, you need either a valid National Parks Pass, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, or you can pay the $30 entrance fee. It’s well worth purchasing a pass if you plan to visit other national parks or monuments, or do much hiking in national forest lands. The standard annual pass costs $80. Check to see if you qualify for a free or less expensive pass. For example, fourth graders can get a free pass to use together with their families. Seniors can purchase a one-time lifelong pass.
- Looking for a good guidebook? I recommend Moon Northern California Road Trips by Kayla Anderson and Stuart Thornton. It’s a great book for trip planning, as it includes information about many other places in Northern California. If you plan to visit more national parks, I also recommend Moon USA National Parks by Becky Lomax. It’s the book I turn to for a really solid introduction to any of our national parks.
WHEN TO GO
You can visit Lassen Volcanic National Park any time of year, but summer is peak season, when trails are open and free of snow. This guide provides you with the information you need if you’re spending one to three days in the park during the peak summer season in Lassen’s western region, plus a couple of great places to explore beyond the park boundaries.
The main route through the park, Lassen Volcanic National Highway, is closed due to snowfall for much of the year, when many trails are likewise inaccessible. On the flip side, visiting in winter gives you the chance to snowshoe surrounded by dazzling white peaks, while having the park mostly to yourself. Refer to the Lassen Volcanic National Park website for detailed information about current conditions and activities throughout the year.
HOW TO GET THERE
The best way to reach Lassen Volcanic National Park is to drive. Public transportation is not available. The closest major town is Redding, located about an hour west of Lassen’s Northwest Entrance. This is the entrance we used.
Just within the park, you’ll find Manzanita Lake Campground and other services, including a gas pump at the Manzanita Lake Camp Store. Gas is expensive here, and there are numerous gas stations around the town of Burney to the north, another near Subway Cave, and more to the east toward Redding. I recommend filling up before entering the park.
The Southwest Entrance, where the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is located, is about three hours north of Sacramento.
NATIONAL PARK PASSPORTS
Are you planning to visit more national parks? If so, collecting National Park cancellation stamps is a fun way to remember and track your visits. The parks offer a wide range of passport books and guides for purchase, enabling you to collect cancellation stamps and park stickers.
Of course, you don’t need to buy a book to get a cancellation stamp — these are free to obtain at most park visitor centers. Create your own journal or keepsake for a low cost alternative. Fortunately, the passport books aren’t too expensive and the profits go toward the parks themselves.
I also recommend purchasing your souvenirs from the America’s National Parks Stores when you visit a national park. Unlike the commercial gift shops at the parks, these shops are part of a non-profit organization that helps support the parks. They offer a well-curated selection of memorabilia, books, and gifts.
JUNIOR RANGER PROGRAM
Traveling with kids? The National Park Junior Ranger program is a must! It’s always a hit with my older son, J. My younger one, T, is starting to age into some of the programs and is absolutely thrilled. It’s also great for parents, as it helps the kids engage more with the park experience.
When you first arrive at the park, pick up a Junior Ranger booklet from one of the visitor centers. Activities vary by age, and many parks require that a specific number of activities in the booklet be completed to earn a badge. Some activities can be done simply by filling in the pages in the booklet, while others may require you to take a hike, record your observations, or attend a ranger program (although in 2020, these requirements were removed since ranger programs were put on hold due to the Coronavirus pandemic). Many parks now offer the option to earn Junior Ranger badges online as well.
Once your child has completed their required activities, return to the visitor center or other designated location so they can be sworn in as a Junior Ranger. They’ll receive their badge, which they can wear as a point of pride for the rest of the trip!
We spent three full days at Lassen Volcanic National Park. My older son, J, spent a little time on the Junior Ranger booklet each day and completed more than enough activities to receive his badge. My younger son, T, was given a “Chipmunk Club” activity sheet, for which he received a sticker. Fortunately, the ranger giving out badges noted that there might be a little jealousy on the part of the younger brother if only the older one received a badge – so she gave T one, too!
WHAT TO DO
Hike to your heart’s content, turn up your nose at the sulfur stench of Bumpass Hell, take a dip in a mountain lake, and gaze up at the millions of stars that dazzle in the heavens above on clear nights. Lassen gives you the chance to do all this and more. While you can drive the length of Lassen Volcanic National Highway in one day, including stops to see the highlights, I recommend spending at least two or three nights in or near the park to get a fuller experience.
Please keep in mind that many of these are summer or early fall activities. Lassen Volcanic National Highway typically closes sometime in the fall and reopens in the late spring or early summer. You can still access Loomis Plaza at the Northwest Entrance and the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center from the Southwest Entrance, but you will not be able to drive through the park from one end to the other. With that, let’s get started! Here are some top experiences to include on your trip:
- The Loomis Museum and Ranger Station make a good first stop for those entering Lassen from the northwest. From the southwest, stop by the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Check out the exhibits, get the latest park information and updates, and pick up a Junior Ranger booklet if you’re traveling with kids. Gift shops are available at both locations.
- Lassen Volcanic National Highway is the quintessential scenic drive showcasing Lassen’s stunning topography and volcanic legacy. This 30-mile drive takes you past wide open vistas and includes many pullouts to access trails, lakes, and learn about volcanic activity within the park. Pick up a Lassen Volcanic Guide from one of the visitor centers, which includes a map and list of highway highlights.
- Sulphur Works is one of the highlights along Lassen Volcanic National Highway. If hiking to Bumpass Hell doesn’t work for you, definitely stop by Sulphur Works to get a taste (and smell!) of Lassen’s bubbling mudpots and fumaroles. Even if you went to Bumpass Hell and back, a stop at Sulphur Works is worthwhile. Signs at the site give more information about both the geology and biology behind these intriguing phenomena.
- Devastated Area is another easy stop along Lassen Volcanic National Highway. A short accessible interpretive trail showcases large volcanic boulders. Signs marking each boulder tell the story of Lassen Peak’s violent 1915 eruption and explain the geology of the different volcanic rocks.
- Lassen is well known for its Dark Skies. When the skies are clear, plan to stay up late for stargazing. Each summer, Lassen celebrates the celestial with an annual Dark Sky Festival. When the moon is full, a moonlit hike is another way to enjoy Lassen after dark. Be sure to bring a headlamp in case you need some additional light.
- Get out into the wilderness on a hike, relax by a lake, and enjoy an evening by the campfire. Lassen is a wonderful place to simply be in the moment and appreciate the beauty and power of nature.
WHERE TO STAY
Lassen Volcanic National Park has several campgrounds, with additional campgrounds located outside the park. There are no fancy lodges at this national park, but those looking for something with a few more creature comforts will find hotels, motels, and lodges located within easy driving distance of both the Southwest and Northwest Entrances. One lodge, the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, can be found within Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, since it is located in Warner Valley, it’s not very convenient for those visiting the western side of the park along Lassen Volcanic National Highway.
Naturally, camping is a popular option. As with many national parks, campgrounds during the peak summer season fill well in advance. Reservations are strongly recommended, and can be made online through the Recreation.gov website.
The largest campground in Lassen is Manzanita Lake, located near the Northwest Entrance. We spent four nights here in August, 2020, and you can read my full review here. Manzanita Lake Campground is large, with amenities including flush toilets, water, a camp store, and coin-operated showers and laundry.
Further south along Lassen Peak Highway, lies Summit Lake Campground. The campground is split into two sections, North and South. With smaller sites, Summit lake is best for tent camping or small trailers. Water is available, and Summit Lake North offers flush toilets in the summer season. Summit Lake South has only vault toilets.
Lassen offers several other campgrounds elsewhere in the park, including Butte Lake and Juniper Lake. To view a full list of camping options, visit Lassen Volcanic National Park’s camping webpage.
FOOD & DRINK
Restaurant and grocery options at Lassen Volcanic National Park are limited, so pack a cooler before you go and plan on preparing most of your own meals. When we visited in 2020, options were even more limited due to the coronavirus pandemic. There is one thing I recommend splurging on, however – soft serve from the Manzanita Lake Camper Store! Getting soft serve became an almost daily ritual for our family. Yum!
Aside from the soft serve, you can also find convenience food and snacks at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. And coffee! If you’re craving a latte or mocha, come here to get your fix. A small menu of breakfast and lunch items is available to order. Please note that breakfast items are only available during breakfast hours, and lunch is only available during mid-day lunch hours. This means you can’t order a sandwich in the morning to take with you on a hike.
At the south end of the park, the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center features a cafe and dining area. This was closed due to coronavirus in 2020, but I expect it may open again in 2021.
HIKE
As I’ve mentioned before, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a terrific place to hike. One thing I particularly appreciate is how customizable so many of the hikes are. Take the hike to Kings Creek Falls, for example. You can do the three-mile out-and-back hike, like we did, or you can choose a longer hike and do a five-mile loop. Or, you can extend the hike even further, heading out into the backcountry for an overnight trip. So many of the trails at Lassen offer similar choices. It’s a veritable all-you-can-hike buffet!
Important Note: Pets are not allowed on any hikes at Lassen Volcanic National Park. For detailed information about pets in Lassen Volcanic National Park, please refer to the park website.
Here are some recommended hikes, including three we did in August, 2020. I also listed a few we didn’t have the chance to take that offer quintessential Lassen experiences. For further information and reviews, click the corresponding links below. Keep in mind that these hikes provide just a taste of what Lassen has to offer, and check with a park ranger for more suggestions and current trail conditions when you visit.
- Bumpass Hell
Probably the most famous hike in the park, the trail to Bumpass Hell takes you to Lassen’s largest hydrothermal area. It’s about three miles out-and-back, and also provides great views of the surrounding mountains.
- Kings Creek Falls
Another popular trail, this one takes you through a wonderland of meadows, forests, rushing streams, and, of course, its namesake waterfall, the lovely Kings Creek Falls. Go early to avoid crowds. - Terrace, Shadow, & Cliff Lakes
Less popular than Kings Creek Falls, but no less lovely, is this hike to three jewel-toned mountain lakes. Bring a swimsuit on sunny days, and pack a picnic to enjoy by the shore.
- Lassen Peak
For me, this is the one that got away. When I next get back to Lassen (and I sincerely hope I will), Lassen Peak will be at the top of my list. In just two and a half miles (five miles round trip), this trail takes you to the top of Lassen Peak. It’s strenuous, in part due to the elevation, which extends from 8500 feet to almost 10,500 feet at the top, but definitely an easier climb than most mountaintops. Due to wildfire smoke during our visit, which affected Lassen Peak more than many lower elevation hikes, we decided to save it for another time. - Lily Pond Nature Trail Loop
This lovely nature walk is only half a mile and a good choice for hikers of all abilities. It’s conveniently located across the road from the Loomis Museum. - Manzanita Lake Loop
For those staying at Manzanita Lake Campground, this easy, two-mile loop provides incredible views of Lassen Peak and is a great way to appreciate the beauty of Lassen. Unfortunately for us, wildfire smoke was fairly thick around Manzanita Lake during our visit, so we opted to skip it. Michael did hike part way around, however, and even in the smoke it offered evocative views.
SWIM & PADDLE
Two beautiful lakes, Manzanita and Summit, offer easy access for swimming and paddling in the western section of Lassen Volcanic National Park. No motorized boats are allowed, and shallow areas near the shore are perfect family swimming spots. Elsewhere in the park, Butte Lake and Juniper Lake also allow non-motorized boating. While smaller lakes don’t allow boating, they can make great swimming spots. For a good swim and hike combo, check out the hike to Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes.
Mazanita Lake, perhaps Lassen’s best known lake, is located near Manzanita Lake Campground (go figure, right?) near Lassen’s Northwest Entrance. If you aren’t staying at the campground, you can access the lake from the public boat launch or picnic area. In summer, kayaks and paddle boards are available for rent. An easy hiking trail also loops around the lake. Whether on land or on water, be sure to catch the iconic view of Lassen Peak rising above the pines with Manzanita Lake in the foreground.
Summit Lake is smaller than Manzanita, but no less charming. Located next to (you guessed it!) Summit Lake Campground, this small lake is a great place to play in the water and enjoy a shoreside picnic. Fortunately for us, it was not off limits during our visit. You can read my Summit Lake review here.
NEARBY & NOTABLE
Natural wonders aren’t limited by Lassen Volcanic National Park’s borders! There’s much to explore in this area of Northern California. Here are a few enticing suggestions to get you started. Follow the links below for more information.
- Subway Cave, located just 14 miles north of Lassen’s Northwest Entrance, takes you through an underground lava tube. This subterranean experience gives you a completely different perspective on the area’s volcanic heritage.
- Burney Falls, famed as one of California’s most beautiful waterfalls, is a wonderful stop en route to or from Lassen. Located about 45 minutes north of Lassen in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, it’s an incredibly popular sight. Try to visit early or late on a weekday to minimize crowds.
- Redding, the closest major town to Lassen’s Northwest Entrance, is only a 50-minute drive from the park. Many visitors pass through Redding on their way to or from Lassen. It’s a convenient place to get gas, groceries, or a quick lunch. If you have kids, check out the fantastic Turtle Bay Exploration Park. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including an adventurous playground and a parrot playhouse (J’s favorite!), kids love it. The museum is located right next to Redding’s iconic Sundial Bridge, a pedestrian bridge over the Sacramento River.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park!
If you have any favorite hikes or campgrounds, please share them in the comments. And if you haven’t yet been, I hope you’ve been inspired to start planning a trip of your own!
