Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a traveler, or an outdoor enthusiast, Lassen Volcanic National Park in northeastern California is a must-see. From its breathtakingly beautiful lakes and mountains to its volcanic wonders, this park is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. Let’s take a look at the best hikes at Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Quick Trail Facts:
| Trail Name | Length | Difficulty | Starting Point |
| Cinder Cone Trail | 4 miles | Moderate to Strenuous | Butte Lake Parking Area |
| Lassen Peak | 5 miles | Strenuous | Lassen Peak Trailhead |
| Kings Creek Falls | 2.3 miles | Moderate | Kings Creek Falls Trailhead |
| Bumpass Hell Trail | 3 miles | Easy to Moderate | Bumpass Hell Parking Area |
| Brokeoff Peak | 7.4 miles | Strenuous to Very Strenuous | Brokeoff Mountain Parking Lot |
What to Expect
First and foremost, this national park is home to Mount Lassen, the largest lava dome in the world! It’s also the second most active volcano in the Cascade Range after Mount St. Helens—which means that it has been erupting regularly since 1915. As if that weren’t enough, there are also several dormant volcanoes within the park as well as several hydrothermal features like hot springs and mudpots. This makes for some truly unique landscapes that you won’t find anywhere else.
Aside from its volcanic wonders, Lassen Volcanic National Park also boasts dozens of hiking trails with stunning views of nearby lakes and mountains. You can explore dense forests full of towering pine trees and marvel at cascading waterfalls in addition to taking in all the beauty of Mount Lassen itself. There are even places where you can go camping and fishing if you so choose!
In addition to exploring on foot, visitors can also take guided tours around the park via snowshoe or cross country skis during the wintertime. This allows visitors to see parts of the park they wouldn’t be able to reach on their own while learning more about its history and geology.
Hiking
Cinder Cone Trail
Hiking the Cinder Cone Trail is an unforgettable experience. Located in Lassen Volcanic National Park, this trail offers hikers a variety of terrain, from winding trails to crystalline cinder fields. Despite its length (4.1 miles round trip), hiking this trail does have its challenges: There is a moderate level of difficulty and visitors should watch their footing due to various rocks and other “volcanic obstacles.” However, it’s easy to see why hiking the Cinder Cone Trail is worth the effort—from majestic woodlands to exotic wildlife along the trails, there’s no shortage of beautiful sights! The unique terrain and novelty of hiking along cinder cone easily makes this one of the best hikes at Lassen Volcanic.
Lassen Peak
Hiking the Lassen Peak Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park is a rewarding experience for nature lovers. This hiking trail of moderate difficulty clocks in at 8 miles roundtrip, with beautiful terrain that encompasses lush meadows, craggy cliffs, and stunning volcanic reminders of the region’s history. It’s also a great opportunity to observe some of the area’s interesting wildlife, such as marmot and pika. Because of its moderate difficulty level, this hiking trail is not too strenuous but still offers a workout and great views. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that won’t leave you too exhausted afterwards but still allows you to take in all of the charming sights and sounds of Lassen Volcanic National Park, then hiking the Lassen Peak Trail may just be exactly what you need!
Kings Creek Falls
Hiking the Kings Creek Falls Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park is an invigorating experience. At just slightly over three miles in length, this hiking path combines moderate difficulty with stunning terrain. While hiking along Kings Creek Falls Trail, one can observe diverse wildlife such as deer and fox. If you are up for a peaceful but difficult hike that includes majestic views of several waterfalls, then hiking the Kings Creek Falls Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park should be added to your outdoor adventure list!
Bumpass Hell Trail
Hiking the Bumpass Hell Trail at Lassen Volcanic National Park is not for the faint of heart! At its longest, it can be a 3-mile trek, with terrain changing from gentle to steep at different points along the trail. You must also keep an eye out for the wildlife of the park, such as deer and bear which can make your trip that much more memorable – even if avoiding close contact with them is top priority! All in all, hiking this trail may be a bit challenging but well worth the view; not just of the breath-taking beauty of Lassen Peak but of all of nature’s wonders.
Brokeoff Peak
For hiking enthusiasts, the Brokeoff Mountain Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park is an absolute must-do. The trail’s difficulty can be easily managed due to its relatively short length of 8 miles round-trip for a pretty epic peak. It offers terrain variation for those seeking a more interesting hiking experience; winding through meadows, forests, and alongside streams. The pinnacle of the hike is hiking along a lava flow near the mountain summit from which take-your-breath-away views of the surrounding landscape will reward your efforts. Along the way you’ll encounter wildlife such as marmots and deer living amongst the volcanic terrain. The incredible panorama views from top make this one of the best hikes at Lassen Volcanic. So pack your hiking bag, grab your walking stick and don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to hike at one of California’s most treasured hiking spots!
What to Wear
My clothing recommendations for Lassen Volcanic varies depending on when in the season you’re going. If you opt for shorts, I like the Prana Elle shorts, but you might want to start with a pair of warm leggings under them if it’s cold. For hiking pants, my go to are the double peak joggers.
On top, for summer hiking I start with a tri-blend t shirt or tank, and then layer on an SPF pullover if it’s warmer outside, or a smartwool pullover if it’s cold or windy. And I usually carried my rain jacket. Finally, my go to hiking shoes are merrell siren sports. They’re comfortable, waterproof, and have Vibram soles which are super grippy, which you’ll appreciate for hiking on all the granite out there!
No matter what your interests may be, everyone should visit Lassen Volcanic National Park at least once in their lifetime—from hikers looking for an adventure to travelers who simply want to soak up nature’s beauty. The unique combination of geological features coupled with breathtaking landscapes make this national park truly special and one that should not be missed! So grab your friends (or just yourself) and start planning your trip today!
That’s my list! I hope this helped you plan and get excited for the best hike at Lassen Volcanic National Park! What are your favorite hikes at Lassen?
As always, please practice Leave No Trace principles when enjoying the outdoors! Check local trail and weather conditions before any hike.
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