National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Arnaz · Public domain
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
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Southwest Entrance (opens in a new tab)
Southwest EntranceMain
Mineral, CA · Open year-round to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center; park highway beyond usually closed by snow about Nov–June
- Directions to Northwest Entrance (Manzanita Lake) (opens in a new tab)
Northwest Entrance (Manzanita Lake)Main
Shingletown, CA · Open year-round to Manzanita Lake; park highway beyond usually closed by snow about Nov–June
- Directions to Butte Lake (opens in a new tab)
Butte Lake
Old Station, CA · Road usually open about June–October
Remote northeast area; no connection to the main park highway
- Directions to Warner Valley (Drakesbad) (opens in a new tab)
Warner Valley (Drakesbad)
Chester, CA · Road usually open about June–October
Remote southern area; no road connection to the main park highway
- Directions to Juniper Lake (opens in a new tab)
Juniper Lake
Chester, CA · Road usually open about July–October
Remote southeast area on a rough dirt road; no connection to the main park highway
Airports
- RDD
Redding Regional Airport · Redding, CA
ClosestSmall airport - RNO
Reno-Tahoe International Airport · Reno, NV
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Chester, CAFor Warner Valley
Inside the park: Manzanita Lake Cabins, Drakesbad Guest Ranch · NPS lodging info (opens in a new tab)
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 Lassen Volcanic
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is July–September. The park highway and high trails like Lassen Peak are usually snow-free from July through September.
In those months, average highs are 70–76°F at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. July is the busiest month on average, while September is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (6,730 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
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.
