Overview

Lassen Volcanic National Park was established in 1916 and features a number of volcanic elements, including hydrothermal vents, lava flows, etc.

We’ve been to Lassen several times! Both Mark and Tiffany went as kids. Tiffany as a young adult, and all of us in 2025. We’re looking forward to returning 2026.

Maps

  • Caltopo Map
  • National Park Map. Recommend changing from Standard to Brochure for the best view of park details. Many notices will be at the top during off season due to closures.

Camping

Overview of locations

We’ve looked at the following Campgrounds:

Activities

A majority of the activities are on the South Western side of the park.

Hiking

National Park Page

Hydrothermal Active Areas

  • Bumpass Hell is a 1.3 mile hike. There are many additional hiking trails after another 1.7 miles. Elevation 8100 - 8400ft. Closed seasonally. National Park Trail Page
    • 2025: We hiked this late afternoon. Crowded trail. Beautiful views and worth the target. A few steep points but mostly gentle. Definitely dangerous areas off trail.
  • Sulphur Works is a 1.2 mile hike, out and back (2.4 miles in total). Elevation 6900 - 8000ft. National Park Trail Page
    • 2025: Worth it as a car stop for a bit. Trail heading to Ridge Lakes is very steep and often on a ridge. Areas off trail are extremely active with hydrothermal activity.

Trails with water features

  • Kings Creek Falls Caltopo is a 1.2 mile out and back (2.4 miles) hike. Horse trail. Follows Kings creek until the falls with the overlook. Elevation 7290 ft - 6700 ft.
  • Terrace Lake, Shadow Lake, and Cliff Lake
    • Long steep descent from the highway trail head. Lakes were beautiful and worth the effort. Many places to lounge around and enjoy on Terrace Lake. Shadow Lake was accessible, however, the trail was right next to the water, or there was a ton of drift wood. Some of our party continued on to Cliff Lake. Climb out was tough for all of us.
    • Accessible from Paradise Meadows through a steep terrain.
  • Paradise Meadows
    • 2025: Farther than you think but a nice gentle continual uphill hike. Some nice waterfalls and interesting bridges to get you through. Definitely worth the 1.3 miles. Feels farther than you think.
    • 2025 Mark’s Recommendation: Definitely pack in a light weight chair for maximum enjoyment.
    • 2011 memory: avoid right after thaw due to bugs which might eat you alive.
  • Lake Helen - Our friend assured us it was very cold when swimming in. Right near Bumpass Hell Trail.

Mountains

Vehicular Tourism

There are a number of sights (16?) seeing stops along the park road numbered from South to North on Highway 89. These are great locations to see various geological features, including volcanic formations, hydrothermal vents, and more.