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
Volcano - A Science Comedy Show by Ben Miller
On Thursday, April 30th, Lassen Volcanic National Park will be hosting comedian Ben Miller performing "Volcano"—a one-hour stand up special inspired by his time as Artist in Residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park! Join us for an evening of volcano-related humor geared towards "nerds, scientists, teachers, and curious people." You'll laugh so hard you may not notice how much you're learning! Ben Miller is a scientist turned stand-up comedian who has performed at top comedy clubs, museums, theaters, colleges, and science conferences. Over the past nine years, he has performed in over fifty cities across the US and Europe. When: Thursday, April 30th - 5:30PM (doors open at 5:00) Where: Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
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.