Hiking
Of the 150 miles of hiking trails within the park, 17 miles are part of the interstate Pacific Crest Trail, which accesses Warner Valley on its way through the park. Trails in Lassen offer an astounding range of scenery, some winding through coniferous forest and others across rocky alpine slopes, along meandering waterways, or through basins of dazzling hydrothermal boiling springs and steam vents.
Easy
Lily Pond Nature Trail. This ½-mile jaunt loops past a small lake and through a wooded area, ending at a pond that is filled with yellow water lilies in summer. Marked with interpretive signs, it's a good choice for families. Easy. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Moderate
Bumpass Hell Trail. This 3-mile round-trip hike leads to arguably the park's most mesmerizing feature, a wondrous landscape of hydrothermal activity characterized by boiling springs, hissing steam vents, and roiling gray mud pots. Allow two hours to complete the loop, which involves a gradual 300-foot descent into the Bumpass Hell basin, and be sure to venture to the basin's several upper viewpoints, which provide amazing views of the entire scene. Stay on trails and boardwalks near the thermal areas, as what appears to be firm ground may be only a thin crust over scalding mud. From the basin, you have the option of continuing another 1.9 miles along a scenic ridge to Cold Boiling Lake, from which you can trek farther to Kings Creek Picnic Area or Crumbaugh Lake. Moderate. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Crumbaugh Lake Trail. This 2.6-mile round-trip hike through meadows and forests to Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh lakes presents an excellent opportunity to view spring wildflowers, but it's quite pretty throughout summer and fall. At Cold Lake, it's possible to detour to Bumpass Hell (thereby adding 3.8 miles round-trip to your trek). Moderate. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Kings Creek Falls Trail. Nature photographers love this 2.3-mile loop hike through forests dotted with wildflowers. A steady 700-foot ascent leads to the spectacular falls. It can be slippery in spots, including along a stone staircase, so watch your step. Moderate. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Mill Creek Falls Trail. This 2½-hour 3.8-mile round-trip hike through forests and wildflowers takes you to where East Sulphur and Bumpass creeks merge to create the park's highest waterfall. For a longer adventure, you can continue past the falls for 2.5 miles to Crumbaugh Lake, and another 1.3 miles past Cold Boiling Lake to Kings Creek Picnic Area. Moderate. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Difficult
Cinder Cone Trail. Though set in the park's remote northeastern corner, this is one of its most fascinating trails, as it offers views of a dazzling variety of volcanic features, including Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Prospect Peak. It's a somewhat challenging undertaking, because the 4-mile round-trip hike to the cone summit requires a steep 845-foot climb over ground that's slippery in parts with loose cinders. For a better understanding of the geology along this hike, pick up an interpretive brochure at the trailhead or visitor centers. Moderate–Difficult. Boat ramp at end of Butte Lake Rd., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
Lassen Peak Trail. This trail winds 2½ miles to the mountaintop. It's a tough climb—2,000 feet uphill on a steady, steep grade—but the reward is a spectacular view. At the peak you can see into the rim and view the entire park (and much of California's Far North). Give yourself about five hours to complete this climb, and bring sunscreen, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a jacket—it can be windy and cold at the summit. Difficult. Lassen Park Hwy., Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, 96063.
