Between summertimes filled with gorgeous hikes, hot springs, and watersports on the lakes, and winters of glittering scenery, skiing, and snowshoeing, Lassen National Park brings over 350,000 visitors each year. Read on to learn about the sights on offer and the different ways to enjoy Lassen National Park as the seasons change.

Volcanic Sights In Lassen National Park

Lassen National Park is a rich volcanic site, home to all four possible kinds of volcanoes: shield, plug dome, cinder cone, and composite. These can be accessed through 150 miles of world-class trails. Keep in mind, however, that heavy snowfall in the winter means that the hiking trails are only accessible from June through October.

There is incredible volcanic activity all over the park, but here are some of the highlights:

Bumpass Hell

The biggest hydrothermal area in Lassen National Park, Bumpass Hell is a network of steam vents, clear pools, and bubbling mud pots. A 3-mile loop winds through it, with a wooden boardwalk to take you safely right down to the water. Remember to be careful as you explore - this area is named after Kendall Bumpass, who scalded himself discovering it!

Sulphur Works

Sulphur Works is the most accessible site of volcanic activity in Lassen National Park, with mud pots and steam vents visible from the parking lot, and a paved sidewalk leading you down to them.

Terminal Geyser

This huge steam vent in the middle of a stream isn’t technically a geyser, but it makes for a dramatic sight nevertheless! Find it on a beautiful 5-mile trail that will take you through the stunning forest with impressive views alongside the stream.

Boiling Springs Lake

Nestled among alpine trees and wildflowers, the Boiling Lake is one of the true marvels of Lassen National Park. It is kept above 125° degrees by underwater steam vents, which also contribute to its dramatic chalky appearance.

Devil’s Kitchen Trail

This trail is a lovely 4.2-mile loop through marshland, meadows, and woods, with plenty of offshoots to interesting hikes. The main trail takes you to a so-called ‘cauldron’ - a system of boiling pools and hissing fumaroles.

Summertime at Lassen National Park

There’s plenty to enjoy in Lassen National Park in the summer and the fall. Here are some of the main highlights!

Lakes

Lassen National Park has over 200 lakes and ponds, some of them under the influence of steam vents and volcanic activity. There are plenty of opportunities for boating and swimming. Manzanita Lake is a hub with a rental store where you can hire kayaks, paddleboards, and anything else you need to enjoy the water.

There is excellent fishing throughout the area, with particularly good trout populations in Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Horseshoe Lake.

Stargazing

Lassen National Park is an incredible place to see the stars. The altitude and lack of light pollution in the park give you crystal clear views. Of course, you can stargaze any time of the year, but the Dark Sky Festival is held in Lassen National Park every August.

Camping

There are seven campsites throughout the park, including group camps and places for RVs. Many of the sites are lakeside, with excellent access to the water. These sites are so popular from June to September that it’s best to reserve your place in advance, to ensure that you’ll get all the glorious family memories a camping trip to Lassen will give!

In 2017, Lassen opened the Volcanic Adventure Camp. This is designed to cater to large groups of young people, as the perfect site for youth groups, schools, and non-profit initiatives to give children and teenagers the chance to experience nature up close.

Wintertime at Lassen National Park

In winter and early spring, trails may be blocked by 30+ feet of snow, but that’s only the beginning of a whole new season of activity in Lassen National Park. Winter sports and icy beauty come to dominate the scene from November through April.

Cross-Country Skiing

The park offers excellent cross-country skiing during the winter months. For beginners, try out the park highway, which is flat and smooth and offers beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains. For more experienced skiers, there are many routes to explore.

If you’re skiing, make sure to visit the Sulphur Works, where the steaming water melts the snow.

Sledding

All the snow Lassen gets in the winter makes for the perfect conditions for sledding. The south-western slopes are popular with families looking for an afternoon zipping down the slopes - not to mention all the potential for snowmen and snowball fights.

Snowshoeing

The park’s unique volcanic features make snowshoeing particularly rewarding - on snowshoes, you can hike a multitude of incredible routes that take you places in the park that are more difficult to reach in the summer.

Lassen National Park runs ranger-led snowshoe trails to help you to see the sights and witness the park at its best.

Final Thoughts

Lassen National Park has so much to offer any visitor. Geological enthusiasts, skiers, family campers, hikers, school groups, and fly fishers will all find something to enjoy in this incredible part of the world. Whether you’re looking for a week of camping and exploring, an educational trip to learn about our nation’s geographic history, or simply a day trip full of fun in the water, Lassen National Park is worth visiting over and over again.

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