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National park · United States

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Go for one full day between late June and September: drive the 30-mile park road and pick one major hike — Bumpass Hell (3 mi round trip) or Lassen Peak (5 mi, 3–5 h) — not both; skip if the road is still snowed in (usually closed late October to mid-June).

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
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From where I am

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Area

431 km²

approximate

Established

1916

Best months

Jul–Sep

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
  • North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
  • North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
  • North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
  • United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
  • United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
  • United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
  • United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.

At a glance

Country
United States
Area
431 km²
About 106,000 acres (165 sq mi); roughly 79,000 acres is designated wilderness.
Established
1916
Best months
Jul–Sep
Permits
For some areas

Lassen Volcanic National Park sits at the southern end of the Cascades in northern California, about 50 miles east of Redding, and holds all four volcano types in one place: a plug dome (Lassen Peak), a shield, a cinder cone and a composite cone (the eroded Mount Tehama). Lassen Peak erupted in 1914 and 1915 and stayed restless until 1921; today steam vents, mudpots and boiling pools at Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works are the visible remains. The park covers about 431 km² (106,000 acres), most of it designated wilderness, and draws fewer than 400,000 visitors a year — a fraction of Yosemite or Yellowstone. The 30-mile CA-89 park road links the southwest and northwest entrances and is the spine of any visit, but snow closes it from late October to mid-June in most years, so the usable season is short and concentrated. It is a car-first park with no shuttle: you drive between trailheads, and the main walks start from roadside parking at 8,000 ft or higher.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

  • No UNESCO listing; national park since 1916.

Size and age

431 km² · national park since 1916

About 106,000 acres (165 sq mi); roughly 79,000 acres is designated wilderness.

Why go

  • All four volcano types in one park, plus steam vents, mudpots and boiling pools you can see from a boardwalk.
  • Lassen Peak is one of the few Cascade volcanoes with a trail to the summit, starting from a paved highway at 8,000 ft.
  • Fewer than 400,000 visitors a year — far quieter than Yosemite or Yellowstone.
  • The 30-mile park road links the southwest and northwest entrances with trailheads, lakes and campgrounds along the way.

When to go

12-month verdict
  1. JanAvoid
  2. FebAvoid
  3. MarAvoid
  4. AprCaution
  5. MayCaution
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulBest
  8. AugBest
  9. SepBest
  10. OctCaution
  11. NovAvoid
  12. DecAvoid
  • JanPark road closed; deep snow, winter access on foot or snowshoe only
  • FebRoad closed; snowpack deepest
  • MarRoad closed; visitor centre open at the southwest entrance
  • AprRoad still closed; snow clearing begins
  • MayRoad may open late in the month; trails under snow
  • JunRoad usually opens mid-June and can stay closed longer after a heavy snow year; check road status before travelling, and expect snow on Bumpass Hell
  • JulMost main trails usually accessible; snow can linger into mid-summer, so check conditions
  • AugWarmest and driest; busiest weekends
  • SepSunny, fewer people, cool nights
  • OctEarly snow possible; road closes late in the month in most years
  • NovRoad closed; snow
  • DecRoad closed; snow

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Lassen Volcanic National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Black bears around campgrounds and trailsMay–Oct · Store food in bear boxes; never leave packs unattended.nonononoyesyesyesyesyesyesnono
Mule deer and marmots along the park roadJun–Sepnononononoyesyesyesyesnonono
Wildflowers, over 700 species recordedJun–Aug · Peak bloom follows snowmelt, so it shifts by elevation.nononononoyesyesyesnononono
Snow on trails and closed roadsNov–May · The park road is usually shut late October to mid-June.yesyesyesyesyesnononononoyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Redding

Drive CA-44 east about 50 miles to the northwest entrance at Manzanita Lake.

1–1.5 h

From Red Bluff

Drive CA-36 east about 50 miles, then CA-89 north to the southwest entrance.

1.5 h

From Sacramento

Drive I-5 north, then CA-44 or CA-36 east; the closest large airport is Sacramento.

3.5–4 h

From Reno

Drive US-395 north, then CA-44 west to the northwest entrance.

3–3.5 h

From Regional plan

Where Lassen fits with Shasta, Burney Falls and the Cascades.

Zones and sectors

Zones of Lassen Volcanic National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Southwest areaKohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works, Bumpass Hell trailhead and Lassen Peak parking.Open with a ticket; visitor centre open year-round.
Park road corridorThe 30-mile CA-89 route between the two entrances, with Summit Lake, Kings Creek and the Devastated Area.Open to vehicles only when snow-free, usually late June to late October.
Northwest areaManzanita Lake, Loomis Museum, camper store and the Crags campground.Open with a ticket; museum open summer only.
Butte Lake and Cinder ConeRemote northeast corner reached by a dirt road from CA-44.Open; rough road, no hookups.
Warner Valley and Juniper LakeSoutheast corner with Drakesbad Guest Ranch, hot springs and quiet lakes.Reached by dirt roads; the last stretch into Juniper Lake is rough and not recommended for trailers, buses or large RVs. Roads are seasonal — check conditions and vehicle suitability before setting out.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 10 approximate points in Lassen Volcanic National Park, north up12345678910
Approximate positions along the park road and at the main trailheads, for orientation only.
  1. 1Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center · Headquarters≈40.438, -121.533Map ↗
  2. 2Southwest entrance station · Gate≈40.437, -121.536Map ↗
  3. 3Sulphur Works · Viewpoint≈40.449, -121.536Map ↗
  4. 4Bumpass Hell trailhead · Trail≈40.467, -121.510Map ↗
  5. 5Lassen Peak parking and trailhead · Trail≈40.476, -121.505Map ↗
  6. 6Summit Lake · Sleep≈40.494, -121.426Map ↗
  7. 7Devastated Area · Trail≈40.525, -121.466Map ↗
  8. 8Manzanita Lake and Loomis Museum · Gate≈40.536, -121.563Map ↗
  9. 9Butte Lake and Cinder Cone · Trail≈40.565, -121.306Map ↗
  10. 10Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Warner Valley · Sleep≈40.444, -121.406Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate2–3 hBumpass Hell3 mi (4.8 km) round trip with about 300 ft of gain to the park's largest geothermal area; boardwalk over boiling pools and fumaroles. Snow-covered until late spring, sometimes mid-summer.
TrailsHard3–5 hLassen Peak summit5 mi (8 km) round trip from the highway parking lot, about 2,000 ft of climb to 10,457 ft. Start early; afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
TrailsModerate3–4 hCinder ConeAbout 4 mi (6.5 km) round trip from Butte Lake, with a steep final climb on loose pumice. Very exposed — carry water and wear boots.
ViewpointsEasy20–30 minSulphur WorksMudpots and steam vents beside CA-89, one mile north of the southwest entrance; boardwalk viewing, parking on the highway.
TrailsEasy30 minDevastated Area interpretive trailShort, fairly level loop explaining the 1915 eruption and the regrowth since.
TrailsEasy1–1.5 hManzanita Lake loopFlat walk around the lake with Lassen Peak views; fishing allowed with a California licence.
CultureEasy30–45 minLoomis MuseumHistoric museum near the northwest entrance; summer only, with exhibits and a park film.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check
Fees for Lassen Volcanic National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Entrance, private vehicle (summer)US$30vehicle2026 estimate; valid 7 days. Winter rate is lower. Confirm current rates with NPS (check).
Entrance, motorcycleUS$25motorcycle2026 estimate; valid 7 days. Confirm current rates with NPS (check).
Entrance, per person on foot or bikeUS$15person2026 estimate; valid 7 days. Confirm current rates with NPS (check).
America the Beautiful annual passUS$80year2026 estimate; covers entrance at Lassen and other federal sites. Confirm current price (check).
Camping, Manzanita Lake or Summit LakeUS$24–26site per night2026 estimate; rates vary by campground and season (check).
Drakesbad Guest RanchUS$110–200person per night2026 estimate; includes meals; open early June to early October, weather permitting.

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Park entrance permit or guide

Pay at the southwest or northwest entrance station, or show an America the Beautiful pass.

Wilderness overnight permit or guide

Free self-issued permit at a trailhead or visitor centre for backcountry camping; confirm current rules with NPS before you rely on this (check).

Fishing permit or guide

California fishing licence required; single-hook barbless artificial lures only at Manzanita Lake. Confirm current California rules (check).

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
Geothermal areas
Stay on boardwalks and trails. Mineral crust can look solid and collapse into boiling water — Bumpass Hell is named for a man who broke through and lost a leg.
Drones
Launching or landing drones is prohibited in national park areas (check current rules).check
Campfires
Only in provided fire rings at campgrounds; check seasonal fire restrictions before lighting anything.
Food storage
Use bear boxes at campgrounds and trailheads; food left in cars or tents attracts bears.
Pets
Allowed only on roads and in developed areas, not on trails or in the backcountry (check).check

Where to stay

In the park

Manzanita Lake Campground

179 sites near the northwest entrance; flush toilets, showers and store nearby; some loops reservable.

In the park

Summit Lake North and South

Mid-park campgrounds on the park road; swimming and fishing; some loops reservable.

In the park

Butte Lake, Crags, Juniper Lake, Warner Valley

Smaller, more remote campgrounds; several reached by dirt road; mostly first-come, first-served.

In the park

Drakesbad Guest Ranch

Historic ranch in Warner Valley with hot-spring baths and meals; open early June to early October, weather permitting.

Near the park

Redding, Red Bluff or Chester

Motels and hotels 50–60 miles from the entrances; the practical base if campgrounds are full.

Safety

Altitude sickness medium

Most of the park sits above 5,000 ft and Lassen Peak reaches 10,457 ft. Acclimatise, drink water, and turn back if you get a headache or nausea.

Geothermal burns high

Never step off the boardwalk at Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works or any steaming ground; crusts collapse.

Afternoon storms and lightning medium

In July and August start summit hikes before 11:00 and descend if clouds build.

Snow on trails medium

In June and early July expect snowfields on Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak; poles and boots help.

Remote dirt roads low

Butte Lake, Juniper Lake and Warner Valley roads are rough; no fuel inside the park, so fill up before entering.

Accessibility

  • Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works boardwalk and the Devastated Area trail have paved or boardwalk surfaces suitable for wheelchairs.
  • Manzanita Lake and Summit Lake campgrounds have accessible sites and toilets (check specifics when booking).
  • Lassen Peak and Cinder Cone trails are steep and not suitable for limited mobility.

Visiting lightly

  • Pack out all rubbish; there is no general waste collection at trailheads.
  • Use bear boxes and keep a clean camp so wildlife does not become dependent on visitors.
  • Stay on trails in geothermal areas and alpine meadows to protect fragile crusts and plants.
  • Fill water bottles at the visitor centre instead of buying single-use plastic inside the park.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park?

A private vehicle pays about US$30 for seven days (2026 estimate); motorcycles about US$25 and walkers or cyclists about US$15 per person. The America the Beautiful annual pass, about US$80, covers entrance here and at other federal sites. Winter rates are lower — check before you go.

What are the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Bumpass Hell (3 mi round trip) for the boardwalk over boiling pools, and Lassen Peak (5 mi, 3–5 h) for the summit. With more time, Cinder Cone from Butte Lake is the most unusual walk in the park. All three are snow-covered until late spring or mid-summer.

When is the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?

July to September, when the 30-mile park road and the main trails are clear. June works if you accept snow patches. The road usually closes from late October to mid-June, so winter visits are limited to the southwest entrance area on foot or snowshoe.

Do I need a reservation to drive through the park?

No. You pay the entrance fee at the southwest or northwest station and drive the park road at your own pace. Allow at least three hours to cross the park with stops. Campgrounds are the part that needs booking — several loops at Manzanita, Summit Lake and Butte Lake are reservable, the rest are first-come, first-served.

Can I see the geothermal areas without hiking?

Yes. Sulphur Works sits right beside CA-89 about a mile north of the southwest entrance, with a boardwalk over the mudpots and steam vents. The Devastated Area interpretive trail in the north is short and fairly level.

Is Lassen crowded?

Far less than Yosemite or Yellowstone — under 400,000 visitors a year. Summer weekends and the Manzanita Lake area are busiest; weekday mornings on the Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak trails are usually quiet.

Related

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