Est. 1916 | California | 106,589 acres

For being one of the first national parks inducted into the National Park System, Lassen Volcanic National Park is surprisingly usually one of the last visited for many travelers, making it a hidden gem of northern California. From steaming fumaroles and rocky slopes to speckled meadows and wooded forests, this park is a miniature Yellowstone without the crowds. Hike the jagged peaks of dormant volcanoes, listen for the rush of steam vents, or paddle the alpine lakes of this pristine mountain wilderness surrounding the proud and dormant volcano called Lassen Peak.

The main attractions, namely Lassen Peak and Bumpass Hell, are located on the western side of the park. Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, meanders through this region from north to south paralleling the famous Pacific Crest Trail just to the east. Two entrance stations open year round bookend this traditional route for visiting Lassen Volcanic, but winter snow usually closes this scenic highway. In the summer backroads offer additional forays into the park’s isolated wilderness.

Park Highlights

1. Bumpass Hell—On a simple 2.5-mile roundtrip trail, visitors can hike past steaming fumaroles, boiling springs, and bubbling mud pots, the park’s most active geothermal features. The colorful, otherworldly landscape makes Bumpass Hell a must-see destination for anyone interested in geothermal phenomena.
2. Kings Creek Falls—About 1.5 miles into the 4-mile Kings Creek Trail, Kings Creek Falls cascades in a spectacular 30-foot drop. Unfortunately, the 2021 Dixie Fire left the surrounding forest scarred and charred, but the falls are still worth a visit.
3. Manzanita Lake—Situated near the park’s northern entrance, it offers stunning views of Mount Lassen. The lake is open to canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with abundant opportunities for birdwatching. A semi-paved loop around the lake provides easy access to picturesque spots for photography or relaxing by the water. Consider visiting at sunset for gorgeous alpenglow reflected in the calm waters of Manzanita Lake.
4. Lassen Peak Trail—Gaining nearly 2,000 feet of altitude over 2.5 miles, Lassen Peak Trail is not a walk in the park. However, those to reach the top are rewarded with commanding views of the park and a glimpse into the twisted gnarled crater of Lassen Peak.
5. Cinder Cone Trail—This 4-mile roundtrip trail in Butte Lake region of the park is known for its challenging ascent to the summit of Cinder Cone, a volcanic cone that offers panoramic views of Lassen Peak and the colorful Painted Dunes dotted with Jeffrey pines, a dramatic landscape worth the effort.

Best time to visit Lassen Volcanic

Because winter tends to cling on longer than normal in Lassen Volcanic National Park, the best time to visit is during late summer and early fall, typically from mid-July to mid-September. During this period, the weather is warmer, and most of the park’s trails, including higher elevation routes like Lassen Peak Trail, are accessible. Just be aware of common wildfires during this season. Close encounters can degrade visibility at best and shut down the park at worst.

However, if you prefer fewer crowds and enjoy winter sports like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, visiting in winter (December to March) may be up your alley. Just be aware that most areas are inaccessible to vehicles due to snow, and many higher-elevation facilities are closed during the off-season. The Manzanita parking area and Kohm-Yah-Ma-Nee Visitor Center are the only operating spaces.

How long should I visit Lassen Volcanic?

While highlights of Lassen Volcanic National Park can be seen in a single full day (Bumpass Hell, Kings Creek Falls and Manzanita Lake), 2–3 days is ideal for exploring the character of this park (Lassen Peak Trail and Cinder Cone Trail).

Getting to Lassen Volcanic

When it comes to traveling to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redding Regional Airport (RDD) is the most likely the best choice. It’s the closest airport and its prices are comparable to the alternatives, Sacramento International Airport (SMF) and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) that are more than twice the distance. Regardless of which airport is used, a rental car is a necessity for this remote park with Redding 50 miles away still. State Route 44 brings you to the northern entrance, and State Route 36 will drop you off at the southern entrance (via State Route 89).

Where to stay in Lassen Volcanic

The park offers several overnight accommodations. The only lodge within the boundaries is the Drakesbad Guest Ranch in the Warner Valley area of the park, providing rooms, cabins and bungalows. Unfortunately the 2021 Dixie Fire severely damaged this historic lodge and it is uncertain when it will resume operations. However, Manzanita Lake does contain 20 rustic cabins available for reservation.

The Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins are located adjacent to the 179-site Manzanita Lake Campground, Lassen Volcanic’s main campground. About 13 miles up the park road are Summit Lake North and Summit Lake South Campgrounds, together hosting 87 campsites. These campgrounds are centrally located offering convenient access to the highlights of the park in both the north and south. Continuing down the park road in the southern portion of the park lies Southwest Walk-In Campground (closed indefinitely for wildfire repairs), a smaller first come first served campsite.

Three outlying campgrounds are located in the eastern half of the park. Juniper Lake Campground and Warner Valley Campground (closed indefinitely for wildfire repairs) in the south and Butte Lake Campground in the north. Butte Lake is the only campground in the east that offers reservations. The other two are first come first served.

When should I book?

Campsites available for reservations can be booked 6 months in advance on a rolling basis. Manzanita Lake typically becomes fully booked during the summer months. Campsite reservations open in January for the upcoming summer season, and sites fill up fast, especially on weekends and during holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day). Weekdays in the summer tend to have more availability, but weekends reach capacity at least 3–4 months in advance.

There is no timed entry permit system for Lassen Volcanic National Park.

How much should I budget?

A 2-day trip booked 4 months in advance can cost roughly $600–$800 depending on your required needs. Here is a range of what to expect:

Roundtrip Airfare to Redding	$150–$350
Car Rental	$40–$70/day (not including taxes/fees)
Campsite	$22–$26/night (not including taxes/fees)
Cabins	$75–$150/night
Camp Store Meals	$5–$15/meal
Entrance Fee	$35/vehicle for 7 days

Packing list for Lassen Volcanic

Each park requires different gear for its unique characteristics. For Lassen Volcanic National Park, we wouldn’t want to be caught without hiking shoes, sunscreen, binoculars, layered clothing, camelback, headlamp (for long hikes) and a hat.

Want to learn more? Check out our detailed trip report for a peek into our trip to Lassen Volcanic.

For more detailed information on Lassen Volcanic National Park, visit the official park website.