Do not plan a northern California road trip without planning a stop at Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Lassen is significantly less touristy than other famous National Parks with similar scenery, like Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Yosemite. This is good news for you because you’ll get to enjoy it all with little to no crowds!
My husband and I spent 3 days exploring Lassen in early September, and it was honestly my favorite part of our entire 9-day northern California trip.
There are so many unique things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park, from exploring hydrothermal areas to hiking up a volcano (or two!) to swimming in alpine lakes.
This post is all about the 13 best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park. And if you’re looking for a 1-3 day Lassen itinerary, check out this post!
Lassen Volcanic National Park Overview
Lassen Volcanic National Park is the most underrated hidden gem of northern California. You’ll see bubbling hydrothermal areas, all 4 types of volcanoes, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and beautiful scenery.
The park’s namesake, Lassen Peak, last erupted in 1915 where it devastated nearby areas and deposited volcanic ash 200 feet away.
It is also one of the only places in the world where you can see (and hike on!) all 4 types of active volcanoes.
And the best part? There are hardly any crowds!
We found Lassen Volcanic National Park to be a fantastic combination of the best parts of our Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Craters of the Moon National Monument trip we took earlier the same year without the insane crowds.
There are mudpots, hot springs, and fumaroles similar to Yellowstone, alpine lakes and rugged peaks similar to Grand Teton, and cinder cones and lava flows similar to Craters of the Moon.
Related: 7-Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary for Hikers (Seashore, Redwoods, & Volcano Edition!)
2021 Dixie Fire Update
During the summer of 2021, the Dixie Fire burned almost 1 million acres in Northern California, making it the largest single fire in California history. The southeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park was the most severely burned area in the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is open, but remnants of the fire damage are still evident in some areas. The Drakesbad Guest Ranch (the only in-park lodge) remains closed for the 2023 season.
The Warner Valley and Juniper Lake areas of the park are closed (no access via Warner Valley and Juniper Lake roads).
This means that the trailheads to some popular hikes, like Devil’s Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake, are also closed. You can get to the trail, but it takes a significant walking detour to get to these areas (I’m talking an extra 7-10 miles in addition to the posted trail lengths).
There are still plenty of fantastic things to do at Lassen despite some areas being closed!
As always, check the NPS website for the latest info on reopening plans after the Dixie Fire before planning your trip.
The Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park
The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is in the summer between July and September. This area of California is at an elevation of 7000+ feet, so it gets a lot of snowfall in the winter and the park roads close between October and May, depending on weather.
The weather in the summer will be very pleasant for hiking and outdoor adventuring. Don’t worry about summer crowds here either- Lassen is one of the least-visited National Parks in the US!
How Many Days Do You Need at Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Plan to spend 2-3 days at Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is enough time to do the scenic drive, hike a few of the best trails, and make a quick day trip to Burney Falls State Park.
If you don’t like hiking, you only really need a day at Lassen to do the scenic drive and visit the main highlights.
Related: The Ultimate 1-3 Day Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in the central part of northern California, basically in the middle of nowhere.
It’s about a 4 hour drive from San Francisco and a 3 hour drive from Sacramento.
If you’ll need to fly and rent a car, flying into San Francisco or Sacramento are both good options.
You can also combine a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park with a road trip up the California coast with stops at Point Reyes National Seashore and Redwood National Park for an epic NorCal adventure!
Where to Stay at Lassen Volcanic National Park
The largest major town close to Lassen is Redding. Redding is a good hour away from the north entrance gate to the park, so it doesn’t make a great home base for visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park.
There are a few small towns located on the southern side of the park that provide a much more convenient location.
Chester, Mineral, and Mill Creek are your options and are all less than 30 minutes from the south entrance gate to the park. The south entrance is also closer to a lot of the main attractions in Lassen.
However, the restaurant selection here is pretty slim and a lot of places are closed Monday – Wednesday. There is a nice grocery store in Chester with grab-and-go items as a backup though!
I would recommend looking for an Airbnb close to these towns, or one of the following accommodations:
- St. Bernard Lodge: Affordable bed and breakfast in Mill Creek. We stayed here for 3 nights and would recommend it! The breakfast is made to order and included in the nightly price, but you won’t have a private bathroom, so keep that in mind!
- Timber House Brewery and Lodge: Accommodations in Chester that are attached to a great brewery!
- Best Western Rose Quartz Inn: Clean, basic hotel in Chester with free breakfast.
Helpful Tips for Lassen Volcanic National Park
Before we get into the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park, here are a few helpful tips for visiting this area:
Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, lakes, or in the backcountry areas of Lassen Volcanic National Park. They are allowed in campgrounds, parking lots, and picnic areas, but must remain on a leash. These rules are in place to protect your pet and the native wildlife. More info on the pet policy can be found on the NPS website here.
Most of Lassen Volcanic National Park sits at an elevation of more than 7000 feet. Hiking at elevation will be more difficult than what you are likely used to (especially if you are a near-sea-level midwesterner like me!), so use caution when hiking and assess your fitness level before choosing your hikes.
Gas stations, restaurants, and cell signal are few and far between in the park. You can find grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks at the Kohm Yah-Mah Nee Visitor’s Center and the Manzanita Lake Campground store. Gas is also available at Manzanita Lake between May and October, but it’s best to fill up before entering the park.
Stay on the boardwalks in hydrothermal areas. These areas are very dangerous if you venture off the path. The water is boiling and acidic and will severely burn you if you touch it or fall in!
13 Fantastic Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park
1. Hike the Bumpass Hell Trail
Hiking the Bumpass Hell Trail is one of the most popular things to do at Lassen Volcanic National Park.
This 2.7-mile trail leads you around the Bumpass Mountain and down into a densely-concentrated hydrothermal area full of bubbling mud pots and pungent fumaroles.
The trail is packed gravel with a slight uphill incline until you get to the Bumpass Hell Overlook, which overlooks the largest hydrothermal area in the park. You’ll descend about 200 feet down to the short boardwalk trail to explore the features more closely.
I recommend doing this hike relatively early in the morning because the parking lot can get full midday!
Related: 7 Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
2. Take a Stroll around Manzanita Lake
Looking for an easy stroll around an alpine lake with incredible views of the Lassen Peak? Look no further than the Manzanita Lake Trail!
You can start this trail at the north entrance station or at the Manzanita Lake Campground. The entire loop is 1.9 miles and mostly flat, so it’s great for all ages and fitness levels.
Take in the view of Lassen Peak at multiple points around the lake, and take note of the awesome reflection in the water! If you go first thing in the morning, the water will be calmer, making for a better reflection.
3. Climb to the Top of Lassen Peak
The Lassen Peak Trail is probably the most famous hike in the park. It is just what it sounds like- you climb up to the top of Lassen Peak for panoramic views over the park.
This hike is not for the faint of heart! Your starting elevation is 8500 feet, and the peak sits at just shy of 10,500 feet, the highest point in the park. The climb is straight up for nearly 2.5 miles and is no joke, especially at that elevation.
The last part of the climb is a rock scramble through snow and ice (yes, the Lassen Peak has snow year-round). The weather can change very fast at high elevation, so it’s important to be prepared for wind, rain, hail, lightning, and anything else Mother Nature may throw at you.
If you do plan to hike this trail, pack layers, a rain jacket, trekking poles, sunscreen, food, and tons of water.
4. Drive the Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Highway
The Lassen Volcanic National Park Scenic Highway is the main road through the park and (mostly) runs north-south. A lot of the main attractions and scenic areas spur off this highway.
One of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park is to drive the highway and take in the amazing scenery from the various turnouts.
5. Walk the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
The 1915 Lassen Peak eruptions devastated nearby areas with volcanic ash, lava, and rocks. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a short gravel trail through one of these areas.
You’ll see different lava rocks that were thrown over 5 miles from the peak along with signs explaining the history of the eruption.
The parking lot also has an awesome view of the Lassen Peak!
6. Kayak on Manzanita Lake
Manzanita Lake is a fantastic place to explore via non-motorized boat! Enjoy gorgeous views of the Lassen Peak from a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard.
There are rentals available in the Manzanita Camper Store between 10am and 4pm during good weather.
Pricing and more info on kayak rentals can be found here.
7. Hike Up the Cinder Cone
Hands down one of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park is to hike the Cinder Cone Trail.
This trail is located in the Butte Lake area and you will need to drive 6 miles down a dirt road to get here. The road is passable in any passenger car, so don’t worry too much about the drive!
Starting from the Lake Butte Campground, you’ll walk slightly uphill for about 1.5 miles along the Fantastic Lava Beds.
Once you reach the cinder cone, the fun really begins. You’ll climb over 500 feet in less than a half mile through some loose volcanic sand. This portion of the hike is strenuous not only for the steep climb, but also due to the loose sand you’ll be climbing over. Every step forward results in a half-step back as you sink into the sand.
As you summit the cone, a fantastic view of the Lassen Peak motivates you to keep going. When you finally reach the peak, you’re rewarded with the opportunity to hike down into the cinder cone and take in the amazing views from all angles of the peak.
The Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, Lassen Peak, Snag Lake, and Prospect Peak are all visible from the top. The Painted Dunes might have been the weirdest landscape I’ve ever seen.
The Cinder Cone Trail is easily one of the top 5 hikes I’ve ever done. It’s a great alternative to the Lassen Peak Trail if you’re looking for a challenging summit with panoramic views, but aren’t quite up for the 10,500 feet summit to Lassen Peak.
8. Have a Picnic
There aren’t any true restaurants inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the nearest ones are 30+ minute drive away.
This makes Lassen a great place to pack a picnic and take in the beautiful weather and scenery!
There are grab and go sandwiches and snacks at the Kohm Yah-ma-nee Visitor’s Center and the Manzanita Camper Store. You could also grab supplies at the grocery store in Chester.
There are a ton of great picnic spots in the park, but my favorite areas are Manzanita Lake, Lake Helen, King’s Creek, and Butte Lake!
9. Smell the Pungent Scents at Sulfur Works
Sulfur Works is an easily-accessible hydrothermal area right off the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway. You’ll probably smell it before you see it!
Sulfur Works sits in the center of a wide basin surrounded by towering volcanic peaks that are all remnants of the composite volcano Mount Tehama. Mount Tehama last erupted about 360,000 years ago. Wind, rain, ice, and hydrothermal activity have been eroding this area ever since.
Take a quick stop and take in the bright colors, bubbling mud, and pungent scents of this ever-changing area.
10. Take a Dip in Bathtub Lake
Lassen Volcanic National Park is full of gorgeous alpine lakes that you can take a swim in (except in the hydrothermal areas, for obvious reasons).
However, most of them are really cold, even in the summer. The one exception is Bathtub Lake.
Bathtub Lake is a small, warm lake in the Butte Lake area of the park. It’s pretty remote and requires a short walk from the Butte Lake Campground to get there.
Going for a swim here after a day of hiking is a fantastic way to experience Lassen Volcanic National Park!
11. Hike the Kings Creek Falls Trail
The King’s Creek Falls Trail packs a lot of scenery into a short, 2.8-mile hike. Starting from the King’s Creek Picnic Area, you’ll hike down through a burned forest (remnants of the 2021 Dixie Fire) with some great views over the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness.
Part of this hike is pretty steep with some loose rock, so I definitely recommend sturdy hiking shoes.
You’ll know when you’re getting close to the falls when the scenery turns into a green meadow! In the spring, this area is abundant with wildflowers.
Follow the creek down to 2 waterfall viewing platforms and marvel at the 30-foot-tall King’s Creek Falls.
We absolutely loved this hike! The panoramic scenery, unique remnants of the Dixie Fire, lush meadows, and 30-foot waterfall easily makes it one of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
12. Go Stargazing
Stargazing is perhaps one of the most overlooked things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Far from the light pollution of civilization, Lassen is a great place to view and learn about the night sky. There is an annual Dark Sky Festival and numerous ranger-led programs throughout the summer (more info on park-led stargazing can be found here).
Of course, you can do your own stargazing from the comfort of your vehicle, picnic blanket, or lawn chair as well. Park at any trailhead, roadside lake, or scenic turnout where there is a clear view of the night sky and enjoy the view!
Lassen Volcanic National Park is currently working on obtaining the “Dark Sky Park” designation.
13. Visit Burney Falls State Park
I know that Burney Falls State Park isn’t in Lassen Volcanic National Park, but this State Park is super close and excellent enough that I have included it as one of the best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Located just northeast of Lassen, Burney Falls State Park is definitely worth the trip. The iconic hike down to Burney Falls is easy and absolutely breathtaking.
You’ll hike 1 mile round trip down to the base of this 129-foot waterfall. This waterfall is really unique because the water is all ground water and not from your typical river or creek. The water runs through an “underground river” system and you get to see the point where all the water pours out.
Since this is a California State Park, your America the Beautiful Pass won’t work and you’ll have to pay the $10 entrance fee to get in. It is well worth it though to see those falls!
What are you most excited to do on your trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park? Let me know in the comments below!
-Megan
More Things to Do in Northern California
Check out my other posts on Northern California to make the most of your trip!
- The Ultimate 1-3 Day Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
- 7 Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park (2023 Update)
- 1-Day Redwood National Park Itinerary & Guide
- The Ultimate Point Reyes Day Trip Itinerary | How to Spend a Day at Point Reyes National Seashore
- 7-Day Northern California Road Trip Itinerary for Hikers (Seashore, Redwoods, & Volcano Edition!)
