12 Epic Things to Do in California’s Most Geothermal National Park Before the Season Ends

Often overshadowed by bigger names like Yosemite and Sequoia, Lassen Volcanic is one of the most underrated of the 30 national parks I’ve visited.

I spent six weeks on this West Coast road trip, and Lassen was one of the highlights. Lassen Peak is the star of the park and is the biggest plug-dome volcano worldwide.

From roaring fumaroles to icy lakes and everything in between, this park can be easily experienced in one day. Here’s the short list of things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

1. Drive Through the Scenic Loop

Begin your day at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Grab a park map and maybe a National Park stamp if you’re into collecting those. The interactive exhibits here will give you a quick rundown of the geothermal features that make Lassen so special.

Hop back in your car to start the scenic drive. The 30-mile loop takes you through the best parts of the park, including jaw-dropping views of Lassen Peak. The drive itself is super relaxing, with ample spots to pull over for photos or a quick stretch.

Fair warning: the sulfur smell in certain areas may or may not be extremely pungent.

Travel Tip! The weather in Lassen Volcanic is extremely snowy. Much of the park is closed from November to May.

2. Walk the Sulphur Works Boardwalk

Sulphur Works is located right off the main road. It has bubbling mud pots and steam vents (fumaroles) caused by magma heating groundwater. The sulfur smell is pungent, like the sweet aroma of rotting eggs. Walk along the boardwalk to safely navigate through this geothermal wonderland.

3. Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail

If you do one hike, make it Bumpass Hell. This 3-mile round-trip trail takes you through Lassen’s largest hydrothermal area.

Named after a pioneer who had a rather unfortunate run-in with a boiling pool, the trail has stunning views of Lassen Peak. As you get closer, the landscape changes to bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.

4. Chill at Lake Helen

Lake Helen is an eye-candy stop. At an elevation of 8,200 feet, its deep blue waters often remain icy even in summer. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic with killer views of Lassen and Reading Peaks. The nearby parking area makes it super accessible. While swimming might be too chilly, the scenery is unbeatable.

5. Visit Lake Emerald

Not far from Lake Helen is Lake Emerald, aptly named for its vivid green color. Depending on the light, the lake is especially gorgeous at sunrise and sunset.

This high-altitude lake is a little off the beaten path but worth the detour. A short walk from the main road brings you to its serene shores. It’s quieter than some of the park’s more popular spots.

6. Summit Lassen Peak

Feeling adventurous? Tackle the Lassen Peak trail. This 5-mile round-trip hike is challenging, but the view from the summit is panoramic over the whole park and beyond. The trail is steep, so pace yourself and bring plenty of water. Along the way, you’ll love seeing the evidence of past eruptions.

Just know this hike will take up most of your day, so plan accordingly.

7. Watch the Cascade of King’s Creek Falls

If you have time, take the moderate 2.5-mile round-trip hike to King’s Creek Falls. Starting at the King’s Creek Picnic Area, the trail takes you through meadows and forests before splitting into two paths. You can choose between the easier horse trail or the steeper cascade trail.

If you’re pressed for time, this might not be your first choice, but it’s a real treat if you can squeeze it in.

8. Wander the Devastated Area

Forever changed by Lassen’s 1915 eruption, the Devastated Area is a stark reminder of the power of volcanic explosions in this national park. The eerie, barren terrain contrasts sharply with the lush meadows and forests elsewhere in the park.

An easy 0.25-mile trail takes you through scattered volcanic debris, complete with interpretive signs explaining the event.

9. Stroll Around Manzanita Lake and Reflection Lake

Just a short walk from the main park road lies Manzanita Lake and Reflection Lake. True to its name, it beautifully mirrors Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. The Lake Loop trail is a gentle 1.5-mile stroll suitable for all fitness levels. In the summer, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards.

It’s really green and alive, contrary to the nearby Devastated Area.

10. Check Out the Loomis Museum

If it’s still open for the season, swing by the Loomis Museum near Manzanita Lake for an information gallery on the park’s volcanic history and old photographs. The museum also has a bookstore for souvenirs and additional reading.

Outside, there’s a self-guided trail that starts and ends at the museum.

11. Cinder Cone Volcano & Painted Dunes

For those with a bit more time, the 4-mile round-trip hike to Cinder Cone Volcano is a surreal landscape of volcanic ash and colorful rocks. This hike is out of the way and a bit challenging, so you will likely have to add an additional day if you want to squeeze it into your trip.

Other Places to Visit Nearby

• Devil’s Kitchen in Lassen: This hike leads you to an area filled with mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs.
• Burney Falls: In McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in the US, a pounding falls that Roosevelt once dubbed “the 8th world wonder.”
• Subway Cave, Old Station: Walk through this lava tube’s pitch-black tunnels with only a flashlight.

Sample One Day in Lassen Volcanic Itinerary

A day in Lassen Volcanic is typically sufficient to experience this incredible place. So, for those pressed for time, here’s a sample itinerary for a day trip:

• Start at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center before driving the 30-mile main park scenic route.
• Take a short detour at Sulphur Works to walk the boardwalk through the most accessible hydrothermal area.
• Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike through the largest thermal area.
• Take a break or lunch at Lake Emerald or Lake Helen.
• Continue the scenic drive, stopping at Lassen Peak and Devastated Area.
• Stroll around Manzanita Lake and Reflection Lake for a walk or a paddle on the water.
• Learn more about the park’s history at the Loomis Museum.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.