Hi there! Are you ready to plan an explosive trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park?! Standing tall at 10,457 feet above sea level, Mount Lassen is a stunning volcano that last erupted in 1915! You are sure to find something here that everyone in your group will LOVE.
Lassen Volcanic is a place unlike any other — and likely somewhere you will talk about for years to come. As you hike through this steaming, hissing, and bubbling landscape, get ready to discover a mystical place with a tormented and destructive history.
There is so much to do. You may have already looked at a map and been a little overwhelmed — and eager — to make sure that you don’t miss the best sights.
I’m a former park ranger, and I’ll help you plan your vacation down to the details. I’ve extensively explored Lassen Volcanic National Park and am here to help! Whether this is your first time to the park, or if you are returning after many years and would like to be reintroduced to the park, this list of 8 things is for you.
What You Need to Know About Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Lassen Volcanic is open year-round, but park roads often close due to winter conditions. For more information on the park’s operating hours and seasons, click here, and check the current road conditions before you go!
- This park typically has just two seasons, winter and summer! Winter conditions should be expected from November – May, and summer conditions exist from June – October. Plan accordingly with the proper gear to have a fun, safe visit to the park.
- There is one lodge, three restaurants, and eight campgrounds in the park. To make lodging reservations or to learn more about your options, click here.
- Although Lassen Peak is now considered dormant, the park is still an active volcanic area with many hydrothermal areas. Scientists are confident that the question is not if Lassen Peak is going to erupt again, it’s when. Learn a little about the 1915 eruption before you go. These photos are fascinating!
- Numerous hiking trails converge and overlap in this park, so you don’t want to be caught hiking without a map. This is the map I use and recommend for Lassen Volcanic National Park.
I’ll make sure that you don’t miss the most popular sights, but I also want to provide a few treasures that are off the beaten path as well. Let the adventure begin!
Click NEXT to see this exciting list of 8 things you can’t miss on your first visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that (at no extra cost to you) I receive a small compensation if you make a purchase. I only recommend products that I personally love, and I appreciate your support and welcome any questions you may have about any products featured on my site. Thanks! Ash
Thank you for this list! If I want to do this in one day, to save travel time, what would be the best order to visit these attractions? We are coming from San Diego and planning on staying around Redding, Ca. I appreciate your help!
You’ll just want to follow the road through the park and stop as you get to each spot!
Thank you very much for your Things Not To Miss posts. They are now the first resource I go to when planning a national park trip. Like many people, as 2020 progressed and things opened, up we focussed on local travel. Our home state of California has nine national parks and we made it to four of them. Your guides to Redwood and Lassen were very informative and helpful. We plan to visit the remaining five parks in 2021. I appreciate the great information in your posts and will once again start there for planning the trips.
Thanks, Linda! I’m honored to be a part of your national park trip planning! California is a great state to live in if you want to travel locally…there are so many amazing national parks. Here’s to a great 2021!
Hello,
Can these 8 suggestions be all done in a long day, and if so, what would your suggested route be to take them in?
If not – which would you suggest reducing it to?
Looking forward to see the park!
Thanks.
Yeah, they could. Especially if you don’t plan on swimming or hanging out near the lakes for very long. Have fun!
Wondering if you could do the Bumpass and King Creek Falls trails on the same day? We will only have 1.5 days at Lassen NP. Thanks for all the info!
Yeah, for sure! You could definitely get to both in one day!
I am surprised Subway Cave and Cinder Cone aren’t on the list, these were two of my favorites. Thank you for the list, it helped us plan our trip.
Thanks for your feedback! Subway Cave isn’t actually in the national park, which is why it’s not on this list. Cinder Cone is a little longer and harder than the typical trails that I include on my can’t-miss lists, but it’s definitely a good one if you’re up for some more difficult hiking. Glad you enjoyed Lassen!
Great site. Thank you for narrowing down all the options, it is rather overwhelming. I love the link to the video of the Lassen Peak Hike. We are looking forward to our visit mid July 2020 Kelli
Thanks Kelli! You’re going to love Lassen. Safe travels!
Hi Ash!
Love all your info on all the NPs. You’ve helped us on all our trips so far! Wondering if you have a PDF of Lassen and Crater I could purchase from you? Thanks again! Cheri
Hey Cheri,
I do! You can contact me here and I’ll get them to you.
Great Site: Looking forward to going. We will arrive Sept 11th and stay through Sept 18th. Love the National Parks. Have been to about 40 and trying to visit all of them.
That’s awesome! Have an amazing time on your trip!