Lassen Volcanic National Park does not have the popularity among the National Parks in the United States, but it definitely should not go unnoticed. This park is filled with volcanic features and hydrothermal activity with surrounding peaks! It also features a lot of backpacking opportunities and the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) runs through it!) Definitely a place to check out. This National Park lies in-between Crater Lake National Park and Lake Tahoe.
There are nearby thermal activity features that are right off the road if you are not a hiker or just want to see something quick and awesome. One of the more popular ones is Sulphur works. You can park in the parking lot and take a casual 400 feet walk to the activity. You can see it boiling giving off that amazing smell of Sulpher 😉
The drive alone is very beautiful weaving in and out of the nearby mountains, and also traversing next to the lakes, bringing in much diversity to the park.
There are many hiking trails from simple day hikes to extended backpacking trips. But as far as day hiking goes, the most popular trail is Bumpass Hell giving you extraordinary views! The land has multiple colors and it is a must do if you venture into this park.
When I went, this was my number one. Unfortunately the trail was closed because of injuries. I went around the 10th of July and the snow still encompassed much of the hike, leaving many hikers injured or trapped on the trail. The park service decided to close it for a couple more weeks until the snow subsides.
Hiking up to the peak (this isn’t it). This is just the beginning of the hike!
I did however get to enjoy Lassen Peak which will bring you up the highest point in the park. The road also brings you to the highest point on the road of the park.
Hiking on the trail.
Did I mention it gets high in elevation?
This hike gains quite a bit of elevation but should only take a few hours to complete. It is a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail, so 5 miles RT (round-trip.) I seen people trek up their ski’s up this mountain to enjoy a feeling of rush down the mountain. It’s pretty steep so these people are not intimidated by adrenaline!
Driving through the road gives you multiple viewpoints. If you are not a hiker, you can enjoy much of the park without going on trail. The most amount of thermal activity is located on the Southern edge of the park. The park map shows you the thermal activities by highlighting these areas in a reddish orange color.
Hope you have a good time at Lassen Volcanic NP is you make it there! Hopefully you will be able to enjoy Bumpass Hell! It’s suppose to be awesome! Hope you enjoyed this article and thank you for reading! If your interested in a topo map, you can get one here.
Sincerely,
Shelly/Livingonthedirt
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