8 Things You Can’t Miss On Your First Visit to Lassen Volcanic

This is page 2 of this article. To start at the beginning, click here.

1.  Manzanita Lake

Swim in the shadows of a spectacular volcano!  This lake is a popular destination for camping, fishing, and kayaking while providing amazing views of the park’s namesake.

What You Need to Know

Manzanita Lake makes a great home base for exploring Lassen Volcanic.  A large campground with showers and camping cabins is available here, as well as kayak rentals and a gift shop.

In addition to kayaking and fishing, a 1.5-mile hiking trail around the lake is available for your enjoyment!

Pets are not permitted on hiking trails or in any body of water in this park, but they are allowed in the campground.

Getting Here

Manzanita Lake is located in the northwest section of the park.  From the Loomis Museum, drive east on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) for 300 feet and take the next right.  Follow the road for 0.7 miles to reach the campground, but if you’re just here to swim, there is a day-use parking area just before reaching the Camper Store.

2. Sulphur Works

Visit the park’s only roadside hydrothermal feature! This mudpot is continually putting on a show — bubbling and spewing as it releases its smelly rotten egg fragrance into the air.

What You Need to Know

Roadside interpretive panels explain the history behind this fascinating point of interest.  Take a minute to learn about the mining operations that took place here, as well as the hydrothermal history of the area.  *Hint* you are standing in the middle of an ancient volcano!

Getting Here

Sulphur Works is located in the southwest section of the park.  From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, drive 1 mile northeast on Highway 89 {Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway} and look for the parking area on the left side of the road.

3. Lake Helen

Admire the strikingly beautiful blue water of Lake Helen!  This high-elevation lake is a picture-perfect place to enjoy stunning views of Lassen Peak and the surrounding forest.

What You Need to Know

Lake Helen sits at 8,200 feet above sea level and the drive to get up here is phenomenal!  It is named for Helen Tanner Brodt, the first woman to climb Lassen Peak in 1864.

Non-motorized boating is not allowed in this lake, but a nice picnic area is nearby for soaking in the scenery.  Don’t be surprised if there’s still snow and ice up here during your visit — the water usually stays frozen well into the summer months!

Pets are not permitted in or near the lake, but if they are leashed, they are welcome in the picnic area.

Getting Here

Lake Helen is located near the base of Lassen Peak in the middle of the park.  From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, drive 6 miles northeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) to find the parking area for Lake Helen.

4. Devastated Area

Explore the destruction left behind when Lassen Peak erupted in 1915!  Giant rocks rained down from the sky, hot ash and gases decimated the forests, and a violent mudflow flooded the river valley where this trail now stands.

What You Need to Know

The Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a crucial stop for appreciating this national park!  This easy path is only 0.5 miles roundtrip and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Pets are not permitted on this trail.

It’s hard to imagine what this beautiful environment looked like after the Lassen Peak eruption, but reading the interpretive panels helps to put things in perspective.

Many of the rocks in the area were literally spit out of the inside of the volcano and flung here from its peak — now that’s terrifying!

Getting Here

From the Loomis Museum, drive southeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) for 9.1 miles.  The parking area and restrooms will be on your left.

Click NEXT to see sights 5-8 (including the park’s largest hydrothermal area that’s still boiling and spewing!)