9 Best Sights in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

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, venturing 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.  The trail usually opens in June (after a snowy winter in July or August) and closes in early fall. Moderate.

In the park's remote northeastern corner, this fascinating trail offers views of dazzling volcanic features, including Painted Dunes, Fantastic Lava Beds, and Prospect Peak. The somewhat challenging 4-mile round-trip hike to the summit requires a steep 845-foot climb over ground made slippery in parts by loose cinders. A brochure available at the trailhead or visitor centers describes the geology along this hike. Moderate–Difficult.

A moderately hilly 4.2-mile round-trip hike through open meadows and conifers leads to the least frequented of Lassen's three main hydrothermal areas. It's a delightful place to view burping mud pots, misty steam vents, hot boiling pools, and Lassen Peak in the distance. Moderate–Difficult.

This trail winds 2.5 miles to the mountaintop. It's an arduous climb—2,000 feet uphill on a steady, steep grade—but the reward is the gaspworthy view into the rim and across 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.

This 3-mile loop leads from the Warner Valley Trailhead to Boiling Springs Lake, which is surrounded by high bluffs topped with incense cedar, Douglas fir, and other conifers. Vents beneath the milky gray-green lake release bubbles into it, heating it to a temperature of 125°F. Most Warner Valley visitors combine this trail with another connecting trail, often Devils Kitchen or Terminal Geyser. Easy–Moderate.

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 Boiling Lake, it's possible to detour to Bumpass Hell (thereby adding 3.8 miles round-trip to your trek). Moderate.

A steady 700-foot ascent on this 2.3-mile loop hike through forests dotted with wildflowers leads to the spectacular falls, which many visitors find worth the effort despite fire damage visible in spots.  The trail can be slippery, so watch your step. Moderate.

This ½-mile jaunt loops past a small lake and through a wooded area, ending at a pond filled with yellow water lilies in summer. Marked with interpretive signs, it's a good choice for families. Easy.

This 2½-hour 3.8-mile round-trip hike takes you to where East Sulphur and Bumpass creeks merge to create the park's highest waterfall. 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.