National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Arnaz
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land.
Entrance Fees
Activities
Top Hikes
5 mi · 1,957 ft gain · out & back
Climb to the summit of one of the world's largest plug dome volcanoes with panoramic views of the volcanic landscape.
Starts at: Lassen Peak Trailhead
3 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
Gradual climb then descent into the park's largest hydrothermal area with steaming vents, boiling pools, and mudpots.
Starts at: Bumpass Hell parking area
4 mi · 846 ft gain · out & back
Steep climb up a near-perfect volcanic cinder cone with summit views of Painted Dunes and Fantastic Lava Beds.
Starts at: Butte Lake parking area
2.3 mi · 486 ft gain · loop
Through mountain meadows to a 30-foot waterfall with a steep stone staircase return via the Cascades Foot Trail.
Starts at: Kings Creek Trailhead
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Lassen Volcanic National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit
Best time to visit: May
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds
Weather & Climate
Weather at Lassen can vary dramatically throughout the year. Average January temperatures are a high of 40.4 °F (4.7 °C) and a low of 20.8 °F (-6.2 °C). Average July temperatures are a high of 88.4 °F and a low of 49.8 °F. Temperatures reach 90 °F or higher on an average of 36.9 days, and drop to 32 ° or lower on an average of 164 days days annually.