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5. Bumpass Hell
Discover the largest area of hydrothermal features in the park! Have fun walking among the thumping, hissing, and bubbling noises that showcase this volcanic valley.
What You Need to Know
This trail is 3 miles roundtrip and gains 300 feet of elevation. You’ll want to stay on the boardwalk in this area because the water is acidic and boiling! Walking off-trail here is extremely dangerous.
This area of the park gets cloaked with heavy snow each winter, so the Bumpass Hell trail typically doesn’t open until the beginning of July.
Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, drive 6.3 miles northeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway). The Bumpass Hell Trailhead is on the right side of the road.
6. Summit Lake
Relax and soak in the beautiful alpine views from this charming lake! Dip your toes in the water with Mount Lassen looming overhead, and cherish this picture-perfect landscape.
What You Need to Know
Kayaking, swimming, and fishing are favorite activities at Summit Lake. And, of course, taking photos of the mountain peeking through the trees!
To get a good view of Lassen Peak, walk around the lake to the east side. For a fun place to swim, check out the sandy beach on the north side. Don’t forget the bug spray because the mosquitos out here can be vicious!
Pets are not permitted in the water or on the trails in this area.
Getting Here
Summit Lake is located about halfway through the park from either of the park’s main entrances. From the Loomis Museum, drive southeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) for 12 miles. The parking lot for the campground and the day-use area is on the left side of the road.
7. Kings Creek Falls
Hike through some of the most beautiful views this park has to offer! Expansive views, peaceful meadows, and a roaring waterfall will put this trail at the top of your list of favorites.
What You Need to Know
The trail to Kings Creek Falls is 2.3 miles roundtrip and gains about 500 feet of elevation. This gushing waterfall is 70 feet high, and a sturdy overlook perched on the cliff provides a fabulous view of the falls.
There are two different routes you can take to get to and from the falls, but one is better than the other!
I suggest hiking the Upper Cascades Trail on the way down to the waterfall, then hitting the Cascades Foot Section on your way back up. The Cascades Foot Section is one-way (you can only hike up it) and travels up the newly built rock steps that follow the cascades. This section of trail is spectacular!
Take a look at this map and trail guide before you go. Pets are not permitted on this trail.
Getting Here
From the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, drive 13.2 miles northeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway). The trailhead will sneak up on you! Look for the sign and marked roadside parking on either side of the road just past the turn-off for the picnic area.
8. Hat Creek
Stop here if you love peacefully flowing water, beautiful meadows, and lovely mountain views! This unassuming dot on the map is often overlooked, but that’s what makes it so special.
What You Need to Know
This area was once home to the Atsugewi Native Americans, and an interpretive panel offers some insight into their lives at Hat Creek. From the parking area, walk across the street and down by the water (please don’t create your own trail or venture beyond the water).
Admire the wonderful views of the creek and meadows in the Hat Creek Valley. Lassen Peak stands majestically in the distance!
For a longer adventure, consider hiking the Hat Lake Trail to Paradise Meadows. Wildflowers and waterfalls will be your companions on this hike if you choose to venture up this trail. Pets are not permitted.
Getting Here
From the Loomis Museum, drive 9.2 miles southeast on Highway 89 (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) and look for the parking area on your left.
Are you looking for a longer day hike in the park? Try out a hike to the top of Lassen Peak or the Cinder Cone.
Have a fabulous time in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Happy trails!
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!