Perfect One Day in Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
Looking to plan the best Lassen Volcanic National Park itinerary in a day?
Here, I’ll be sharing my itinerary for one day in Lassen Volcanic National Park, detailing the route I took while on my 6 week west coast vanlife road trip.
This park, often overshadowed by its more famous Californian siblings, Yosemite and Sequoia, is a hidden gem that packs a wallop of natural attractions. In just one day, you can explore roaring fumaroles, hike through endless meadows, learn what a Cinder Cone is, and dip your toes in freezing lakes.
This easy-to-follow itinerary has been crafted for first-time visitors like you to streamline your visit so you won’t miss any of the must-see spots.
Quick Facts To Visiting Lassen Volcanic
Lassen Volcanic National Park, in northeastern California, is a gem among U.S. national parks, occupying over 106,000 acres of steaming fumaroles, wildflower-speckled meadows, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes.
As the centerpiece of the park, Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world and is part of one of the most unique volcanic areas on the planet.
| Quick Facts | Details |
| Entrance Fee | $30 per vehicle (7-day pass) |
| Operating Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many roads are closed in the winter. |
| Visitor Centers | Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum |
| Park Entrances | Southwest Entrance and Northwest Entrance |
| Main Activities | Hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, stargazing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing |
| Number of Campgrounds | 7 (Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, Southwest Walk-in, Crags, and Summit Lake) |
| Hotels | Drakesbad Guest Ranch (within the park), numerous options in nearby cities |
| Best Time to Visit | July to October (for hiking and camping) |
| Nearest Cities | Redding (48 miles), Chico (76 miles), Sacramento (180 miles) |
| Nearest Airports | Redding Municipal Airport (50 miles), Sacramento International Airport (180 miles) |
Please note that this information may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Lassen Volcanic National Park website for the most current details.
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 to get maps and information before starting the 30-mile main park scenic drive.
- Short detour at Sulphur Works, the park’s most accessible hydrothermal area.
- Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike through the largest hydrothermal area in the park.
- Take a break or lunch at Lake Emerald or Lake Helen.
- Continue to the scenic drive, stopping at Lassen Peak, meadow views, and Devastated Area.
- Explore the Manzanita Lake and Reflection Lake Area for a walk or rent a kayak for a paddle on the water.
- Learn more about the park’s history at the Loomis Museum.
Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park for a Day
Here are some of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park during your day trip:
1. Visitor Center & Start the Drive Through the Scenic Loop
Start your day at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, where you can get a map and collect a National Park stamp. The center also has interactive exhibits, films, and ranger-led programs to learn more about the park’s geology, hydrothermal features, and history.
The main attraction of Lassen Volcanic National Park is its scenic drive. The 30-mile loop takes you through the best parts of the park, including Lassen Peak, Sulphur Works, Devastated Area, and more. You can also stop at designated picnic areas and take hikes along the way.
2. Sulphur Works
With steaming fumaroles (steam and volcanic-gas vents) and mud pots, Sulphur Works is a unique and fascinating area. This is the most accessible hydrothermal area of the park, located right off the main road. With its remarkable geothermal features and sulfurous smell, Sulphur Works showcases the park’s volcanic nature up close.
You can walk along the boardwalk to find boiling pools of muddy water and steam vents known as fumaroles, caused by the heat from the magma below the Earth’s crust. Also, it gets pretty sulphuric smelling here, aka that pungent rotten egg aroma.
3. Bumpass Hell Trail
For a real taste of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s geothermal action, take a hike along the Bumpass Hell Trail. Named after Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, a pioneer who severely burnt his leg after falling into a boiling pool, this 3-mile round-trip trail showcases the park’s largest hydrothermal area.
The trail begins at the Bumpass Hell parking area and winds its way through mountainous terrain, with incredible views of Lassen Peak and the surrounding highlands.
As the path descends, you’ll notice a change in the landscape as meadows give way to an otherworldly expanse of bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles.
The boardwalk lets you safely walk right on top of this geothermal wonderland.
4. Lake Helen & Lake Emerald
Lake Helen and Lake Emerald are two of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s prettiest bodies of water, at the foothills of its rocky peaks.
Lake Helen
Located at an elevation of 8,200 feet, the deep blue Lake Helen is often covered in snow, even in the summer. This lake presents awesome views of Lassen Peak and Reading Peak.
There is a parking area nearby and picnic tables, making it a perfect lunch spot. Its icy cold water may not be suitable for swimming, but it’s a photogenic locale you won’t want to miss.
Lake Emerald
Slightly further along is Lake Emerald, another high-altitude lake with a vivid emerald color that gives it its name. The lake’s hue varies with the light and it’s particularly pretty at sunrise and sunset. You can reach Emerald Lake by taking a short detour off the main park road.
5. Lassen Peak
Lassen Peak is the most famous part of the park, known for its volcanic activity and eruptions in the early 1900s. This volcano, along with Sulphur Works and other hydrothermal areas, are all reminders that this area is still alive and bubbling with geothermal activity.
You can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak via a 5-mile round-trip trail. The hike is pretty challenging and definetly not doable on a day hike unless it is the only thing you plan on doing.
6. Optional: King’s Creek Falls Hike
King’s Creek Falls is a waterfall cascading down over 40 feet of rocky terrain, which is especially mighty in the spring, when the snowmelt feeds the falls.
The trail to King’s Creek Falls is a moderate 2.5-mile round trip hike that takes you through meadows, thick forests, and rocky terrain.
Begin at the King’s Creek Picnic Area, and follow the trailhead sign leading you through the meadow. The trail splits after about a mile, where you can choose between the horse trail or the cascades trail. The horse trail is easier but longer, while the cascades trail is steeper but offers a closer view of the cascading creek. These trails form a loop, so you can do one path each way.
The trail ends at a viewing platform which provides an exquisite view of the waterfall.
But, if you are running low on time, this is not the hike you want to spend time on since there’s still so much to see.
7. Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
In 1915, Mount Lassen erupted and spewed ash and pumice across the surrounding area. This event is now known as the Devastated Area, a stark landscape that showcases how powerful volcanic eruptions can be.
There’s an easy 0.25 trail that takes you through this desolate landscape, with interpretive signs along the way explaining the eruption and its effects on the surrounding environment.
8. Manzanita Lake & Reflection Lake
Last but not least, wrap up your day at Manzanita Lake and Reflection Lake, two lakes ideal for those golden hour photographs.
Manzanita Lake
Manzanita Lake is set alongside Lassen Peak, reflecting on its calm waters. The Lake Loop trail is a relaxing 1.5-mile stroll around the lake, perfect for all fitness levels and accessible year-round.
Bald eagles, American white pelicans, and ospreys are often sighted. Fishing is allowed (catch-and-release only), and you can rent kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddleboards during the summer.
Reflection Lake
Your final stop is Reflection Lake, a small gem with reflections of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags. It’s just a short walk from the main park road.
9. Loomis Museum
If it’s not closed yet, tack on a visit to the Loomis Museum, filled with exhibits that delve into the volcanic history of the park, its geology, and its flora and fauna. You’ll find age-old photographs, artifacts, and geological displays, as well as a bookstore.
The museum is located near Manzanita Lake, making it a convenient stop before heading out. It’s open seasonally, so check the park’s website for current hours.
Outside the museum, there’s also a self-guided trail, the Ridge Lakes Loop Trail. This moderate 1.1-mile trail starts and ends at the museum.
Where to Stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park
If you’re planning a visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park, you’ll have several accommodation options. Outside of the national park, Redding is about an hour away, offering a range of hotels and lodges.
Drakesbad Guest Ranch:
Book a room at a beautiful ranch, Drakesbad Guest Ranch. The price per night actually includes meals. With amenities like a swimming pool and hot springs, Drakesbad Guest Ranch is a great choice for those seeking a pampered getaway.
Manzanita Lake Cabins:
If you’re on a budget, the Manzanita Lake Cabins offer a more affordable option. These cozy cabins are in a peaceful forest setting near Manzanita Lake. While the cabins do not have attached bathrooms, there are shared restrooms and showers nearby.
Campsites:
Lassen Volcanic National Park has eight different campsites scattered throughout the park. Camping fees range from $20 to $26 per night, depending on the campsite and the amenities provided.
Travel Tip! Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak summer season.
More Than One Day in Lassen Volcanic National Park
In one day you can see the most accessible parts of the park along the scenic drive. Here are some additional attractions and hikes to consider during a multi-day itinerary:
- Cinder Cone: See views of the Cinder Cone Volcano and the Painted Dunes. The 4-mile round trip hike takes you through a surreal landscape of volcanic ash and colorful volcanic rocks.
- Devil’s Kitchen: This hike leads you to an area filled with mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs.
- Lassen Peak: For a challenging adventure, tackle the hike up Lassen Peak, the tallest volcano in the park. The 5-mile round trip hike rewards you with panoramic views from the summit.
- Burney Falls: Located nearby in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, Burney Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades 129 feet down into a pool, surrounded by greenery.
Best Time to Visit
The park is most accessible and enjoyable during the summertime and early fall. This is when all the trails are open and the weather is generally more pleasant outside.
During the winter months, most of the park is closed due to heavy snowfall and road closures.
| Best Time to Visit | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Summertime (June – August) | All trails open, pleasant weather, vibrant flora |
| Early Fall (September – October) | Less crowded, fall foliage, mild temperatures |
Getting to Lassen Volcanic
Most people visit Lassen Volcanic as part of a larger California road trip adventure. But, if you’re flying, the closest airport is Redding Municipal Airport. Flights here are limited and can be expensive. If you’re looking for more frequent and affordable flights, fly into Sacramento International Airport or Reno International Airport.
Closest Ariports to fly into
| Airport | Distance from Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Redding Municipal Airport | Approximately 50 miles |
| Sacramento International Airport | Approximately 190 miles |
| Reno International Airport | Approximately 165 miles |
Practical Tips for Visiting
When planning your trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park, it’s important to keep a few tips in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Here are some helpful tips:
- Stay on designated paths and boardwalks: Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to geothermal activity areas, which can be dangerous. To avoid accidents and severe burns, always stay on designated paths and boardwalks.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially on longer trails and hiking routes. Carry a refillable water bottle with you.
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Lassen Volcanic Itinerary
A one-day itinerary to Lassen Volcanic National Park is a fantastic opportunity walk though unique volcanic landscape, stunning lakes, and scenic trails. Hike the famous Bumpass Hell Trail, discover hydrothermal areas, or simply unwind by serene Manzanita Lake.
And if you are on a greater road trip or going to another national park next, check out these other itinerary posts in California.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?
I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.
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