Lassen Volcanic National Park

What an amazing hidden gem! This was well worth the drive from Seattle to spend a few days. Our first day we did multiple smaller trails that took us to amazing lakes and vents. The second day we hiked Mount Lassen and it was defiantly something to remember. Would 100% come back next season as a weekend adventure.

Beautiful Natural Park even though a fire has devastated a large section of the park, I hate to see our national parks destroyed from poor forest management. The peaks were beautiful and there were several beautiful mountain lakes at the south end. We had a very easy drive through even pulling a 26' travel trailer.

In June 2025, we visited Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California, near Redding, California. It is a beautiful National Park, and like Yellowstone National Park, it has geothermal features, called Sulphur Works. Driving up towards Lassen Peak has scenic views and nature at its finest. Lassen Volcanic was our 9th and final National Park in California, as California has 9 National Parks. My wife remarked that Lassen Volcanic was her favorite National Park in California, and certainly on par with Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. I am glad that we visited Lassen Volcanic National Park and I recommend that anyone go experience the beauty and grandeur of this amazing place.

What a nice park! We stayed 2 days in their campgrounds and it was enough to experience the diversity this park offers. We went from steaming hydrothermal features and 4 types of volcanoes to stunning lakes and views to the Lassen Peak and meadows. Also the very unique Cinder Cone Trail was out of this world, a very hard hike, I won't lie but it's so worthy once you reached the top. Trails I would recommend to get the most out of this beautiful park will be, Bumpass Hell Trail, Manzanita Lake Trail, and Cinder Cone Trail. This last one is located on the north park where you have to drive about 40 minutes but its totally worth it.

Lassen peak is beautiful as is the park road through it. This park is great for a one or two day visit and has a wide variety of trails and landscapes. Much of the park is higher elevation, so you get the classic mountain scenery. It has many beautiful mountain lakes and waterfalls and has a few geothermals being on an active volcano. Recent wildfires have taken some of the beauty. You will need an extra day to get to the more remote parts of the park.

This was almost like a mini Yellowstone! We were pleasantly surprised the crows were much more manageable compared to Yosemite. We were so happy there was plenty of large pull offs to accommodate our large trailer we were pulling. It’s unfortunate a lot acres burned but it is still beautiful! I only wish we had more time to take a dip in one of the many swimming areas! We will be back for sure!

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a sanctum of elemental majesty where the primordial breath of Earth rises through steamy vents and cerulean pools, notably in the haunting expanse of Bumpass Hell. Verdant forests and fiery autumnal foliage cascade down rocky escarpments, framing crystalline streams and ethereal waterfalls that descend with the grace of antiquity. Railways edge through sylvan wilds, while sunset paints the pines in regal hues, evoking ancestral reverence amid noble solitude. Dominating all stands Lassen’s snow-crowned summit, a sovereign set high above ancient woodland and sparkling brooks—a landscape sculpted by volcanic fire, yet rendered serene and timeless, befitting the contemplative spirit of aristocratic wanderers.

A absolutely beautiful place. The lake is an amazing and unique color. The history of the place is quite interesting too. We found the Old Man. Perhaps they should put a tracking device on it. It was the end of June and there was still a lot of snow in the ground and many trails were closed.