I lay my eyes on what seems like a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie – an undulating landscape filled with turquoise springs and mud pots with a twist! They are all smoking or hissing and letting out a distinctive smell of rotten eggs, transporting me instantly back to high school chemistry lab classes. This scenery lay before me at the end of a long drive from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
The sound of gentle breeze is broken by a low bubbling as I mull over the natural marvels in front of me. I am at Bumpass Hell, the biggest hydrothermal park in the US, which is a part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Nestled deep within Mineral, California, National Park lovers often overlook this small, underrated gem.
Some geology insights into Lassen Volcanic National Park
Geology enthusiasts would find it interesting to know that Lassen Volcanic National Park contains all four different types of volcanoes: shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome and they can be found in different parts of the park, giving rise to Mud pots, hot springs, fumaroles, steam vents.
The last eruptions took place between 1914 and 1917 – less than a hundred years ago and Lassen Peak is considered an active volcano. Evidence of these eruptions can be found in the Devastated Area (see below) which has marked volcanic rocks that spewed out with the lava as a result of these eruptions! With a reputation for being “Little Yellowstone”, it is easy to get fascinated with the geological history of this place.
San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park: A Road Trip Guide
While you can easily spend multiple days at the park, an overnight trip from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park works best. The distance from San Francisco makes it too long for a day trip, but perfect for a weekend trip.
Inside the park, take Highway 89, which takes under an hour to drive through the park from one end to the other, without any stops. However, as desctibed below, it has multiple spots that beg to be explored.
While in San Francisco, read this guide to learn about everything you should see, explore and eat in this amazing city!
San Francisco to Lassen: Road Trip Specifics
Driving distance from San Francisco to Lassen: 236 miles
Driving time from San Francisco to Lassen: 3 hour 45 minutes (without traffic)
Recommended Pitstops from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park
These are some pitstops you should take on your way from San Francisco to Lassen:
- Napa Valley
- Sacramento
- Shasta Lake
- Redding
- Yuba City
Lassen Volcanic National Park: Things to do and see
There are numerous stops you absolutely must make on your trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park is best explored on a 1.5 to 2 days trip. So, this guide will walk you through all the spots on a 2 day itinerary.
Day 1
The first day includes 5 spots that are easily accessible by a car. If you enter the park from the Northwest entrance, you can hit the following spots in the order below for a full day trip. But, if you enter the park using the South entrance, then you can visit these spots in the reverse order.
The highlights for Day 1 include:
- Manzanita Lake
- Devastated Area
- Kings Creek Trailhead
- Lassen Peak
- Bumpass Hell
- Sulfur Works
- Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
Manzanita Lake
Entering from the Northwest entrance, consider stopping by Manzanita lake early in the morning for your first stop. It offers serene views and a 2 mile, easy loop hike around the lake around the lake. You can also camp in this area at Manzanita Lake Campground.
https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/safety.htm#otter
Fun fact (or not!): NPS currently has a warning for dangers from river otter, and has suspended swimming and other floatation devices in the lake.
Devastated Area
Nine miles beyond Manzanita Lake, is the Devastated Area (not as sinister as it sounds though) – a 0.5 mile flat trail showcasing the disruption from the 1915 eruption of Lassen Peak. It is called an “Interpretive Trail” since volcanic rocks that erupted from Lassen are strewn about the trail with signboards explaining the origin of the devastated areas and its resident lava remnants.
Pro tip: At the beginning of this trail, you get a spectacular view of Lassen Peak towering above the tall trees and sets as an epic backdrop to the interpretive trail - it is easy to imagine the lava erupting from the Peak over a hundred years ago and the distance it travelled through the air to land and eventually cool down, giving rise to this area.
Kings Creek Falls Trail
Stop at the Kings Creek Trailhead and hike the moderate out-and-back trail of 2.7 miles. It will take you about 1.5 hours to complete. At the midway of your hike, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the falls!
Lassen Peak
Alternately, hike Lassen Peak which is quite popular with visitors to the park. And for good reason! This 5 mile strenuous hike to the top of the active, plug dome volcano takes about 4-5 hours. You would certainly need to be in shape to tackle it as it involves a 1957 ft elevation gain!
Start at the Lassen Peak parking, and make your way through pine trees on sandy cinders. With time, the trees will start to disappear and the barren landscape will make way for stunning rocky vistas as you make your way along the ridge.
Here, you can also explore the interior of the crater and see the remnants of the volcanic eruptions. Pretty cool, right? While I did not get a chance to go there, this is definitely on my list for the next time.
Bumpass Hell
Easily the highlight of our trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park was the Bumpass Hell. It is the largest hydrothermal area in the Park and the one spot I would recommend the most! It contains the largest fumarole (an opening in or near a volcano, through which hot sulfurous gases emerge) in the park, aptly named Big Boiler and an active basin that you can walk across to get close to the fumaroles and other steam vents.
The trail
The Bumpass Hell trail is just under a 3 mile hike (perfect for non-serious hikers like me!) with an elevation gain of just over 400 ft. Since this trail received heavy footfall, try to arrive earlier in the day to beat the crowds.It starts off with a gradual elevation that falls quickly as you reach the basin. This first part of the hike contains a lot of greenery and opportunities to view small wildlife and stunning vistas.
Things to note at Bumpass Hell
This is an area where geology is still in action and the numerous hissing sulphur vents, splattering mud pots and boiling springs continue to shape the earth here. Brace yourself for the pungent smell (from hydrogen sulphide) coming to your noses that gets stronger the closer you reach to the sulphur fumaroles.
Traffic is one way in this area. You can walk towards the end to the main spring on the boardwalk, while checking out the flowing gray mud containing sulphur on one side. To walk back, there is a designated path of sandstone beyond the flowing sulphur deposits (check out the man in the pic above).
Be careful not to step off the designated path though. There are numerous signboards cautioning against stepping out so as to preserve the unique ecosystem, as well as not to get burned by the elevated temperatures and highly acidic contents of this basin! Don’t believe me? Read on about how this place got its unique name.
(Not so) Fun fact: Bumpass Hell was named after the guide Kendall Bumpass, who discovered the area in 1864. Bumpass fell through the crust of one hot spring eventually losing his leg from the burns he suffered. Hence, Bumpass “Hell”.
Sulphur Works
Moving on from poor Mr. Bumpass’s tale, you will arrive at Sulphur works. This is the area where you can view up and close a huge boiling mudpot (hello again, rotten eggs smell!) right on Highway 89.
The reason you see these active mud pots is because this area used to be a volcano thousands of years ago (Mt Tehama). Since it contains porous volcanic soil, rainwater and snow from highlands of the park travels through the soil deep underground and mixes with magma or hot and molten rock. This leads to water heating to steam, and creates boiling mud pots.
Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
The last stop I would recommend is the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center for a range of knick-knacks before you depart the park. Having survived a hot day in the midst of boiling springs and boiling weather conditions, I treated myself to an ice cream.
You can also find an information desk, exhibit hall, auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, dining options and a gift shop to pick up a souvenir.
Day 2
On Day 2, you will explore areas around Butte Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Today, you will drive for a bit to reach your first destination. The highlights for Day 2 include:
- Cinder Cone
- Fantastic Lava Beds
- Painted Dunes
Cinder Cone
On your second day, drive over to Cinder Cone volcano to experience other-worldly terrain feelings. This volcano is made of loose scoria which gives it a black color. It is about an hour’s drive away from Manzanita lake and is best accessed from the Butte Lake campground. The hike is 4 miles long and has an elevation gain of 846 ft. You will be rewarded with spectacular views of Prospect Peak, Lassen Peak, the Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Butte Lake from the top of this challenging hike.
Fantastic Lava Beds
On the trail to Cinder Cone, you will walk though the Fantastic Lava Beds. However, for the best views of the entire landscape, hike all the way to the top for panoramic views of the Fantastic Lava Beds and Painted Dunes.
Painted Dunes
Cinder Cone last erupted in 1666 and it resulted in the spectacular Painted Dunes! Be sure to look out for the Painted Dunes while you’re at the top of the Cinder Cone.
The red and pink-orange color that you will see here comes from ash coming out of Cinder Cone that became oxidized when it fell on hot, flowing lava. You will see similar colored ash on the Fantastic Lava Beds as well!
When to go to Lassen Volcanic National Park
This area experiences heavy snowfall during winter that could lead to road closures. The best times to visit are late spring and early fall for fewer crowds. Summertime brings peak crowds and high temperature weather.
I visited during the summer when the temperatures can get high during the daytime, but cools down in the evenings. Expect a high temperature in high 70s and low temperature in low 40s in the summer.
The great thing about traveling to this park is that it rarely gets crowded, even during high season. So, you can totally consider it for your last minute summer plans!
Lassen Volcanic National Park in winter
Winter in Lassen Volcanic National Park means snow and snow-related recreation. From November to May, you can access by car about a mile from the Southwest and Northwest gates into the park. This is because the entire park gets covered in snow.
However, you will be spoiled for choice for winter recreational activities. You can go snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, sledding or snowboarding! The entry fee to the park also gets lowered to $10 in the winter season.
Another amazing National Park to go to around San Francisco, is the Muir Woods National Monument. Read all about the incredible sights you will see there and how to plan your travel in this post.
How long to spend at Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Two days at Lassen Volcanic National Park is ideal, making it a perfect weekend getaway from San Francisco. This will allow you enough time to explore the main highlights of the park on day 1, and hit the Butte Lake area on day 2.
Where to stay in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Campgrounds – There are 6 campgrounds within the Park, including three in Butte Lake and Warner Valley and Juniper Lake.
- RV resorts – Living Springs RV and Cabins resort is a wonderful cocoon filled with greenery and a lake about 18 miles from Manzanita Lake. Popular RV resorts include Hat Creek RV resort and Rancheria RV Park.
Where to stay near Lassen Volcanic National Park
You can also stay at a hotel or B&Bs around the National Park. Even Airbnbs are a good option as they allow you to be flexible, if you are a larger group! Here are some overnight stay options near the National Park:
- Lake Alamor Lodge – This lodge is located about 30 miles away from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
- Village at Childs Meadow – On Google Maps, this shows up as The Village at Highlands Ranch. Its location is ideal as it is only 10 miles away from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
What to pack for Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Layers of clothing – Even during the summer, temperatures drop quickly after sundown, so pack in layers and keep a jacket handy
- Sunscreen and sunglasses – Especially important during summer when temperatures rise high
- Face masks – If you are sensitive to the sulphur smell (I can’t promise you won’t smell it, but at least it’ll be less pungent) as well as to stay safe
- America the Beautiful pass – If you visit US National Parks often, or are traveling through multiple US National Parks in less than 12 month, consider getting this pass
(Note: If you buy this pass online, a physical pass will be shipped to you, so consider the additional time in your planning. Otherwise, you can also purchase it at a designated site.) - Alltrails – Download Alltrails if you plan to hike for accessing trail options and keeping you on track
- Enthusiasm for Geology – Lassen has so many sites to peak your geology interests!
- Phone or camera gear (with video ability) – The wonders of this Park are best captured for your Instagram on video to showcase their uniqueness
Lassen Volcanic National Park FAQs
Can you drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Yes, you can drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park during the summer months. Highway 89 goes through the park connecting Manzanita Lake in the northwest to the Visitor Center in the south. However, during the winter from November and May, you can only drive a mile into the park from both gates. This is because the park gets completely snowed in.
What city is Lassen Volcanic National Park in?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in multiple different counties in Northern California: Shasta, Lassen, Plumas, and Tehama. The closest cities to Lassen are Redding and Susanville.
When was Lassen Volcanic National Park established?
President Theodore Roosevelt declared Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone as U.S. National Monuments in May 1907. Later, in 1916, the area surrounding and including Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone were declared a National Park.
Does Lassen Volcanic National Park have handicap accessible trails?
There are 2 trails at Lassen that are wheelchair accessible. They are the Devastated Area and Sulphur Works. Additionally, there are several spots that are wheelchair accessible. They are: Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Loomis Museum, Discovery Center and picnic areas in Manzanita Lake, Lake Helen, Devastated Area, and Kings Creek.
Does wild fire affect Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Wildfire does affect Lassen Volcanic National Park, especially during the fall season. In fact, the Dixie fire of August 2021 burned over 40,000 acres of the park. Be sure to check the NPS website for fire and other alerts.
How big is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Lassen Volcanic National Park covers an area of 106,452 acres (430.80 sq. km). For reference, it is about one-seventh of the size of Yosemite National Park.
Are dogs allowed in Lassen National Park?
Dogs and other pets are not allowed on any hiking trail at Lassen. They are also not permitted in any water body, or inside visitor centers and other park facilities. However, they are allowed anywhere a car may go. So, for eg., they are allowed on roads, road shoulders (not snow-covered), campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots. Read more about pet rules here.
Looking for other trip ideas in California? Check out my sojourn to the stunning Yosemite National Park and Muir Woods National Monument for more ideas!
Enjoyed reading this article? Don’t forget to follow me for my latest stories and adventures!
I LOVE this post! I have not visited Lassen yet. So I will bookmark this page for the future!
The map was very helpful! And the videos are awesome!
Hope you enjoyed that well-deserved ice-cream after the hike! 😉
So glad you found it helpful! 🙂 The ice cream was legit delicious!
Nice article with worthy information. Planning to visit Lassen volcano sometime which is found to be active till now. Pictures are really looking beautiful.
Thanks so much! 🙂
Super helpful!!! I was in Lassen already , but totally missed Bumpass Hell (and the ice cream!)… Wish I had read your post before. But now I am motivated to go there again :).
Hehe the ice cream was well worth it 😉
Check out the Bumpass Hell next time – I heard they had closed it for renovation for a while before I went. It was a most fascinating spot.