One Day at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Located in Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the country's most stunning and underrated parks. This mountainous park is a snowy wonderland in the winter and a lush wilderness in the summer. Named for the 10,000-foot volcano, Lassen Peak, which erupted in 1915, Lassen is a must-visit. It’s every bit as beautiful as Yosemite, with a fraction of the visitors.

Since Lassen is considerably smaller than the more famous California parks, it can be done in a day. So grab your hiking boots and hit the trail with us as we explore Lassen Volcanic National Park in a day!

Entrance and Parking

Lassen Volcanic National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Entrance is $10 per person or $30 per vehicle. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is open year-round and a great place to start your day. Cell reception is extremely limited at Lassen, so we recommend grabbing a map at the start of the day or downloading one onto your phone.

Many people say the best time to visit Lassen is summer and fall, but Lassen is an incredible destination any time of the year. In the warmer months, you’ll have more trail options and the chance to see wildflowers. During the cold months, you’ll experience glimmering mountains dusted in snow and frozen sparkling lakes.

Whenever you go, check the park's website for closures before your visit. Lassen gets some of the heaviest snowfall in California, and multiple trails are closed from November to March.

Hike Bumpass Hell

Arguably the most popular hike in the park, Bumpass Hell, is a trail everyone can enjoy. With incredible views, a manageable elevation gain, and a doable distance, it's suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. The three-mile out-and-back trail is primarily flat, with a steady incline and descent right at the end.

Your hike begins along a forested ridge and ends on a boardwalk through the basin and bubbling hydrothermal area. You’ll have spectacular views of the mountains and valleys as you hike. Many visitors take the Frying Pan trail back for slightly different views each way. If you decide to hike Frying Pan instead, there are signs indicating this alternate route.

When you go, get to the trailhead early. The small parking lot fills up quickly. We also recommend checking the trail closures before your hike. Like much of the Lassen, Bumpass Hell gets heavy snowfall and can be closed from November through March. 

If Bumpass Hell is closed when you go, we recommend Ridge Lakes Trail for a beautiful two-mile hike and a birdseye view of the geothermal area. This is also a popular area for snowshoeing!

Picnic at Manzanita Lake

Manzanita Lake is a beautiful spot for a midday picnic. The lake is in a pine forest below Lassen Peak and the Chaos Crags. This peaceful area is accessible year-round and a relaxing place to recharge after a long hike. In the summer, the water is warm enough to swim in, and in the winter, the glassy frozen lake glimmers below the mountain peaks.

After your picnic, we recommend a short hike along Manzanita Lake Loop. Since herds of deer live in the woods beside the lake, you'll likely see animals along your hike. You may even spot the rare Sierra Nevada fox!

Camp in the Woods

Camping at Lassen is a memorable way to begin or end your visit. The park has seven campgrounds open from late spring through early fall. Opening dates are weather-dependent, and you can find updates here. The projected opening dates are usually released at the end of November. Each campsite includes potable water, vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash collection.

Our two favorite camping spots are the Manzanita Lake Cabins and Summit Lake South. The lakeside cabins can be reserved for $75-$100 per night, depending on the cabin. These glamping cabins are especially convenient if you’ve traveled to Lassen from a distance and don’t want to haul your camping gear.

For traditional tent camping, we love the Summit Lake South Campground, nestled in the mountains and ponderosa pines. This campground is 6695 feet above sea level and within a quarter mile of Summit Lake. We love how quiet this campground is and that you can enjoy your morning coffee sitting on the shore.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is among the most breathtaking destinations in northern California. If you’re planning a trip to one of the more famous parks in the area, consider going to Lassen. This beautiful park is peaceful and has more than 150 miles of hiking trails with unmatched views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We hope you love discovering Lassen as much as we did!