About the Park
On May 22, 1915 a large explosive eruption of Lassen Peak brought national attention that set the stage for the establishment of Lassen Volcanic National Park on August 9, 1916. Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land. Lassen Volcanic offers opportunities to discover the wonder and mysteries of volcanoes and hot water for visitors willing to explore the undiscovered.
Points of Interest
Bumpass Hell
Access the largest hydrothermal area in the park via a 3-mile round-trip hike. A boardwalk takes visitors through a 16-acre bowl of plopping mudpots, bubbling pools, and roaring steam vents - including the super hot Big Boiler.
Little Hot Springs Valley
Located at the bottom of a steep valley, steam vents can be viewed via the park road with binoculars. There is no trail in this area.
Pilot Pinnacle
There is no trail or parking area for this feature which includes steam vents, boiling pools and mudpots. One part of this area is visible from the park road; "Fart Gulch" is a chalk-colored hillside on the north side of the road near Little Hot Springs Valley. The sulfur smells makes this area easily identifiable.
Sulphur Works
The park's most easily accessed hydrothermal area features boiling mudpots and steam vents viewable via a sidewalk.
Devils Kitchen
A hiking trail in the Warner Valley area leads visitors to this bubbling cauldron. Explore steam vents, mudpots, and boiling pools on a short loop.
Boiling Springs Lake
Accessed from the Warner Valley trailhead, this short hike leads to a bubbling lake with a temperature of the lake around 125 degrees. Mudpots and steam vents line part of the shore and drainage creeks. Be careful to stay on clearly marked trails in this area as the ground around the lake is unstable; travel in these areas may result in severe injury.
Terminal Geyser
Access this gigantic steam vent from the Warner Valley trailhead. Although not a true geyser, this spurting steam located in the middle of a creek, provides a spectacular show!
Cold Boiling Lake
Enjoy a short hike from the Kings Creek Picnic Area to this quaint lake where "cold boiling" bubbles rise like soda water.
Camping
Campground Spots $12 to $70 per night
Wilderness Camping (permit required) no fee
Lodging
Drakesbad Guest Ranch $144 to $215 per night
Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins $69 to $95 per night
Park Hours & Fees
Fees
Vehicle Pass - $20 Valid 1-7 days
Motorcycle Pass - $15 1-7 days
Winter Season Pass - $10 1-7 days
Individual Pass -$10 1-7 days
Annual Pass $40
Hours of Operation
Park Dates: Open year round
Winter road closures 10/27 – 6/1
Visitor Center: 9am – 5pm (Wed – Sun)
Park Activities
Auto Tour
Backpacking
Boating (rentals available)
Birdwatching
Camping
Hiking
Fishing
Horseback Riding
Ranger-Led Programs
Skiing or Snowboarding
Swimming
Special Events
Loomis Museum