Planning a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park but not sure know where to start? With hundreds of miles of trails, choosing just a few can feel overwhelming. Well, that’s where this guide comes in! Here I have curated the 10 best Lassen Volcanic National Park hiking trails, complete with everything you need to know before hitting the trail.

Lassen is one of my favorite national parks and one that still very much flies under the radar. Years ago, I put together a comprehensive list of every hike I wanted to complete in the park and over the last few years, I have been able to check most of them off my list! So without further ado, let’s jump right in!

The Top Hikes In Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park protects a relatively compact area with one major paved road running through the heart of the park. This scenic drive forms part of the larger Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway and is home to most of the top hiking trails and attractions. Most of the hikes on this list are located along the main road.

However, while most visitors focus on destinations along the main park road, the lesser-visited Warner Valley and Butte Lake areas also offer some iconic hikes as well that have made it to this top 10 list. Let’s get right to it!

1. Bumpass Hell: Otherworldly landscape

Bumpass Hell is easily the most popular hike in Lassen Volcanic National Park! The parking lot is quite large, but I still recommend starting early or late in the evening to avoid the crowds. The trail starts off relatively flat, leading you through colorful lupine meadows and offering amazing views of Lassen Peak and Brokeoff Mountain!

After about 1 mile (1.6 km), you will reach an overlook with a distant view of the geothermal basin. Do not stop here! It is well worth walking the steep path down to the famous wooden boardwalk.

Walking through the basin feels like stepping onto another planet. Bubbling mudpots, steaming vents, and hissing fumaroles surround you. The landscape feels ancient, alive, and deeply otherworldly. We visited at sunset on a Wednesday and had the area all to ourselves! Be sure to save some energy for the steep climb back to the overlook!

2. Lassen Peak: the highest peak in the park

Lassen Peak is one of the best hikes in California and features a beautifully maintained path to the false summit. The trail immediately opens up to wide mountain vistas and passes over a dozen interpretive signs explaining local geology, wildlife, and eruption history.

Right off the bat, the Vulcan’s Eye, a prominent rocky outcrop, flanks the southwest slope. From there, long switchbacks take you upward through wildflower fields framing layers of ridges and valleys.

Other interesting spots include the quenched blobs, which are lighter dacite rocks encased in darker basalt from the 1914 eruption, and California’s youngest rock, black dacite that formed directly in the crater during that same eruption.

The false summit offers stunning views, but a short scrambling section leads to the true peak. Prepare for strong winds at the top; sturdy hiking boots with amazing grip are essential. For those not wanting to scramble, I still recommend hiking past the false summit for a beautifully framed view of Mount Shasta. 

3. Manzanita Lake Loop: best sunset views

This flat, family-friendly two-mile loop offers one of the most scenic views in the park. The easy trail circles Manzanita Lake, alternating between shaded forests and scenic lake views. You will encounter minimal elevation gain, making it highly accessible for families, photographers, and day hikers returning from longer climbs.

On our trip, we parked at a pullout near the park’s entrance and walked just ½ mile to the official Lassen Peak overlook for golden-hour alpenglow shots. As the sun sets, the lake surface turns to glass and reflects Lassen Peak and Castle Crags with striking symmetry. Sunrise is also stunning, with the sun rising directly behind the peaks.

4. Cinder Cone: A truly unique hike (Butte Lake Area)

Reaching the summit of this extinct volcano requires a 4.5-mile round-trip hike with over 1100 feet of elevation gain. Located in a remote corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, this hike offers stunning views of the otherworldly Painted Dunes and Fantastic Lava Beds as well as distant views of Lassen Peak and Snag Lake!

While relatively short, the trail is moderately strenuous as the final ascent requires hiking up loose rocks on a steep incline, and the descent requires careful footing on slippery, shifting gravel. Because of these conditions, I found this hike to be harder than Lassen Peak! There is an option to loop around the cinder cone and hike down the opposite side, which is equally as steep. 

That being said, this hike is very rewarding and well worth the effort. I very much advise wearing solid hiking shoes and bringing trekking poles!

5. Brokeoff Mountain: best views of Lassen Peak

Brokeoff Mountain offers the best views of Lassen Peak from anywhere in the park. This 7.4-mile (11.9 km) round-trip hike climbs roughly 2,600 feet (792 m) through forests and alpine meadows before breaking above the treeline. The summit marks the edge of the ancient Mount Tehama, a volcano that once towered higher than even Lassen Peak!

This strenuous trail goes through a variety of terrain, including packed dirt, volcanic sand, and loose scree near the top. Snow can linger on the upper slopes until mid-July or August, sometimes requiring microspikes early in the season.

For hiking enthusiasts, I recommend this less-crowded alternative to the popular Lassen Peak Trail, not just for the views, but knowing that you’re standing on the flanks of an ancient volcano is a pretty surreal feeling!

6. Kings Creek Falls: Lassen’s best Waterfall

Kings Creek Falls is easily Lassen’s most popular waterfall, and for good reason. The hike goes downhill on the way in, so be sure to save your energy for the hike out. At 1/2 mile (0.8 km) in, I recommend taking the horse trail on the left, which gives you amazing views of the Lassen backcountry.

At the bottom of the horse trail, you will rejoin the main trail, which is a gentle and well-maintained path along Kings Creek to the main waterfall. On the way out, stick to the main trail as it takes you along the creek with a few bonus surprise waterfalls! This section is stunning!

The waterfalls flow best from May to July, when snowmelt keeps the water flowing strongly. This hike is perfect for those limited on time and as part of a 1-day Itinerary in Lassen. I suggest going on a weekday morning (~8 AM) to beat the crowds and find parking, as the trailhead is small.

7. The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a really interesting, family-friendly 0.3-mile (0.5 km) loop. Lassen Peak, the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range, is actually the largest active plug dome volcano in the world, which is formed from silica-heavy lava that plugs the vent from which the lava comes out.

On May 22, 1915, a massive explosion at the summit of Lassen Peak blasted rocks, pumice, and ash across the mountain, leaving a scarred landscape of fallen boulders and scorched forest that this easy trail now crosses through.

The mostly flat route winds past interpretive signs so you can fill in the story of the 1915 eruption as you walk. Don’t forget to also cross the parking lot, where you’ll find detailed eruption photos from the climactic day.

8. Devil’s Kitchen: Lassen’s hidden hydrothermal area (Warner Valley Area)

Devil’s Kitchen is the second-largest hydrothermal area in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and it sits in the remote Warner Valley region. This peaceful 2.5-mile one-way walk meanders through meadows and forests until you step into a landscape filled with steaming fumaroles and mud pots.

You’ll run into far fewer hikers here than at Bumpass Hell, which is exactly what makes the 2 hour drive from the main park road worth the side trip. However, the 2021 Dixie Fire took its toll on the area. This was the largest single-ignition fire in California history, and it blanketed the entire western U.S. in smoke all summer.

This hike is a great option for hikers of all ages. You can extend this hike by about 1.5 miles and 200 feet of climbing by adding on Boiling Springs Lake, which I highly recommend! And for the really adventurous, you can hike even further past the lake to Terminal Geyser.

9. Terrace, Shadow and Cliff Lakes Trail: Hidden Alpine Lakes

If you’re into alpine lake hiking, then this family-friendly trail should be at the top of your list! Along with the Ridge Lakes Trail, it offers one of the best alpine hiking experiences in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

This hike is high on my list for a return visit because it provides easy access to three beautiful lakes without the crowds found on many of the park’s more popular trails. Despite its scenic beauty, it’s often overlooked by visitors.

Each lake has its own charm, with vibrant emerald waters and stunning mountain scenery; Shadow Lake offers the best view of Lassen Peak. This trail also passes through prime Bald eagle and Black Bear habitat.

10 Ridge Lakes Trail: Hidden Alpine Lakes

The Ridge Lakes Trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park is a somewhat moderate hike with a great payoff. The hike is short but steep the entire way, with rocky and uneven terrain. It gains about 1000 feet (305 m) in just 1 mile (1.6 km), making the ascent and descent very steep. I highly recommend bringing your trekking poles on this one!

So, why put in all that effort? Well, once you push through the climb, you’re rewarded with two stunning, emerald-colored alpine lakes tucked away in a hidden volcanic basin, and you’ll likely have it to yourself! So if you love a quiet, scenic lake escape, this hike is definitely for you.

Overlooks Worth Visiting

One thing I love about Lassen Volcanic National Park is that it packs quite the punch in such a compact area. There are so many pullouts and short walks that deliver stunning panoramic views right from your car! Here are my favorite overlooks along the main road, which is also part of the longer Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.

Hat Creek Rim Scenic Viewpoint

The Hat Creek Rim Scenic Viewpoint sits just 20 minutes northeast of Manzanita Lake. If you are driving in from Susanville on Highway 44, as we did on our 9-day Northern California Road Trip, then this turn-the-corner reveal of Lassen Peak is jaw-dropping! Mount Shasta is also visible in the distance to the north.

Meadows

Just past the Kings Creek Falls trailhead is one of my favorite viewpoints in the park, featuring a stunning meadow where Kings Creek meanders beneath Lassen Peak. This stop was completely unexpected and incredibly beautiful! Please avoid walking into the meadow itself, as these alpine environments are very fragile.

Lake Helen

Located just past the Lassen Peak Trailhead, Lake Helen is easily my favorite lake in the park! The color is unbelievable, with bright turquoise water along the shoreline transitioning to a deep emerald in the center, all set beneath the towering slopes of Lassen Peak. It’s also the most accessible lake in the park and features a cozy picnic site.

We originally had no plans to picnic here, but the lake kept drawing us back. It was the perfect stop after hiking Lassen Peak. We ended up having a blast and even dipped our toes into the freezing water.

Emerald Lake

Just two minutes further down the road is yet another lake! At first glance, I wasn’t really impressed with Emerald Lake, but after walking the shoreline, we found a perfect spot where a fallen log stretched straight across the water, and my whole perspective shifted.

The lake lived up to its name. While Lake Helen still takes my vote for the prettiest lake in the park, Emerald Lake is right on its heels. I wish there was an actual trail that circled the shoreline, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the views.

Sulphur Works

As you continue driving towards the southwest entrance, you might start smelling rotten eggs! This is a classic sign indicating the next point of interest: Sulphur Works. This short, paved walk takes you to bubbling mud pots, a fumarole, and active steam vents: tangible reminders that the Lassen Volcanic complex is very much still active.

What fascinated me most was finally realizing the scale of the once mighty Mount Tehama, which stretched more than 11 miles (18 km) across and stood roughly 1,000 feet (305 m) taller than Lassen Peak. At Sulphur Works, you are looking at all that remains of the ancient volcano’s magma chamber!

The site also holds interesting human history, from an 1860s Sulphur mining operation to a 1950s lodge that used natural steam for its bathhouse. I like to imagine how fun this place must have been to visit in those early days!

Where To Stay

Manzanita Lake Campground is my go-to spot for camping. Located just inside the park’s northern entrance, the campground offers plenty of shade, clean restrooms, drinking water, and a well-stocked store nearby with amazing coffee, snacks, hot food, and camping supplies that make logistics simple.

The name can be slightly misleading since the campsites do not face the water directly, but a short fifteen-minute walk brings you to the Manzanita Lake shoreline. Campsites often fill up in advance during the summer months, so I recommend booking your reservation a few weeks in advance.

If you’d prefer to explore the lesser-visited parts of the park, several other campgrounds are scattered throughout Lassen, including one in Warner Valley and Butte Lake.

Note: The only traditional lodging inside the park is the Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley. Manzanita Lake also offers cabins, but you are required to bring your own bedding. At Drakesbad, linens are provided, making it the most comfortable overnight option in the park.

Where to Eat

Dining options inside Lassen Volcanic National Park are limited, so it’s worth planning ahead.

Another convenient choice is the café inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center near the southwest entrance. Lassen Café & Gifts offers sandwiches, fresh fruit, and soft-serve ice cream. Perfect option after a long day of hiking!

For a more memorable dining experience, head to the Drakesbad Guest Ranch, which serves hearty country-style breakfasts and buffet-style lunches and dinners but requires online reservations if you are not staying there.

Outside the park, you’ll find additional restaurants in the nearby communities of Mineral and Chester to the south, as well as Shingletown and Old Station to the north. Just keep in mind that operating hours can vary significantly by season.

Recommended Gear

Here is exactly what I packed on my trek to Ice Lake, along with the gear I rely on for nearly every hiking adventure!

My Backpack and what’s inside

• Backpack: I will never stop talking about how much I love my Osprey Stratos 24L daypack. It holds everything I need and sits securely on my back.
• Hydration System: Platypus 3L hydration bladder, with no plasticky aftertaste, is the superior bladder!.
• Water Bottle: These Nalgene 48-ounce bottles are a great backup for carrying extra water or mixing in electrolyte powder.
• Water Filter: The Katadyn Gravity Water Filter system is easily the best water filter ever made. It takes just 1 minute to filter 3L of water. It is pricey, but I have zero regrets about making this investment!
• Trekking Poles: My ALAFEN Collapsible Ultralight Poles fold down easily into my bag and work just as well as a more expensive set of carbon fiber poles.
• The Ten Essentials: Having navigation, extra layers, emergency supplies, and sun protection makes all the difference when mountain weather shifts quickly.

Footwear

• Footwear: The Columbia Men’s Transverse Hike Waterproof Shoes, with their excellent traction and support, mean zero blisters on those long hiking days!
• Socks: Smartwool hiking socks have been a game-changer with their moisture-wicking and cushioning. They also help prevent blisters.

Clothing

With winter snow lingering into the summer months in the high elevation and weather shifting quickly with afternoon storms, packing in layers is a must! You can read more about how to dress in layers here but the key is moisture-wicking clothing. This fabric doesn’t hold onto moisture, or in our case, our sweat and helps you better balance your body temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have some burning questions that you need answered about Lassen Volcanic National Park? Here are the answers to the questions we get asked most frequently. Let’s dive in!

What is the main attraction in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

For most visitors, the park’s signature attraction is Lassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range and the largest plug-dome volcano in the world. Other iconic attractions include Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in the park, and the colorful volcanic scenery found along the park’s scenic highway.

Is Lassen Volcanic NP suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Lassen Volcanic National Park has plenty to offer first-time hikers and families. Easy trails such as the Manzanita Lake Loop and the Devastated Area Interpretive Trail provide excellent scenery with minimal effort. For visitors who can’t hike, you can still experience many of the park’s overlooks and highlights from your car. Lake Helen alone is worth the drive!

Is one day enough for Lassen Volcanic National Park?

If you are only planning to drive the main road, see the overlooks, and take on a shorter hike, then one day is plenty of time to explore Lassen! A one-day hiking Itinerary could look like this: hike Lassen Peak early, drive the park road and see all the scenic stops, and finish the day off with Bumpass Hell.

How many days are needed to hike the area?

Two to three days is ideal for hikers who plan to tackle multiple hikes, such as Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, the Ridge Lakes Trail, and the Cinder Cone, while also exploring lesser-visited areas such as Warner Valley and Butte Lake. If you’re an avid hiker, you could easily spend a week exploring the park’s many trails and backcountry routes.

Are dogs allowed on Lassen hiking trails?

Unfortunately, they are not allowed on hiking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park. An easy way to remember is: anywhere a car can go, dogs can as well. They are allowed, on-leash, in developed areas such as campgrounds, parking lots, and paved roads. So, if you’re traveling with a dog, plan accordingly, as the park’s best hikes are off-limits to pets.

Is Lassen still an active volcano?

Yes! In fact, the entire “Lassen Volcanic Center” is still considered active, including Lassen Peak, Cinder Cone, and Chaos Crags. Lassen Peak was the most recent volcano to erupt between 1914 and 1917, with the largest eruption taking place in May of 1915.

Interestingly enough, nearby Mount Shasta was set to receive national park status, but the dramatic eruptions of Lassen Peak highlighted the area’s geological significance and pretty much cemented its national park status in 1916.

Are there grizzly bears in Lassen National Park?

No, but there is a moderate Black Bear population in the park. Do note that Black Bears can have brown or cinnamon fur, and a sure-fire way to tell the difference is the lack of a big “hump” on the Black Bear’s back.

The Wrap Up: Best Lassen Volcanic National Park Hiking Trails

While this list can’t possibly cover every hiking trail in Lassen Volcanic National Park, I hope it helps you narrow down the best options and plan an unforgettable trip. As one of California’s least-visited national parks, Lassen is a fantastic destination for hikers looking to escape the crowds and experience a more peaceful side of the national park system.

Despite its lower visitation numbers, the park delivers an incredible variety of experiences, from unique volcanic landscapes and geothermal features to alpine lakes, challenging backcountry routes, and stunning mountain scenery. I hope you enjoy exploring Lassen as much as I have. Happy trails!