Bumpass Hell
A 3-mile round trip to the largest hydrothermal area.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
A little Yellowstone in Northern California, with steaming vents, mud pots and all four kinds of volcano.
Lassen Peak erupted from 1914 to 1917, the most recent in the lower 48 before Mount St. Helens. Bumpass Hell's boardwalk passes boiling pools. The 2021 Dixie Fire burned much of the park's eastern side.
- Best Time
- July–October
- Time Needed
- 1–2 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About three hours by car north of Sacramento.
What to See
0 of 3 are freeLassen Peak Trail
A steep 5 miles round trip to 10,457 feet.
Manzanita Lake
A lovely lake with kayaks and mountain reflections.
Know Before You Go
- Snow can close the main road until June or later.
Where to Stay
Stay in Chester or Mineral.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
Something wrong or out of date?
Traveler Reviews
Sign in and mark Lassen Volcanic National Park as visited to write a review.
Go Next
Worth a DetourMount Shasta
California
A lone snow-capped volcano held sacred by local tribes and a magnet for seekers of every kind, with alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and the springs of the Sacramento River.
Full Guide
Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the California list.