Surrounded by lush conifer forest, this surreal, lunar terrain boils and bubbles with mud pots and steaming geysers.
Walk at the foot of towering volcanic peaks and peer into pools of geothermal water and mud at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Step from the rocky landscape into serene woodland to discover a variety of animals living in the challenging environment.
In the heart of the park, look up to see Lassen Peak climbing to a height of 10,457 feet (3,187 metres), making it the world’s largest plug-dome volcano. Although it is classified as active, the most recent eruption subsided in 1917. All visible volcanic movements now occur elsewhere within the park.
View thermal activity easily from the sidewalk at Sulphur Works. Stroll along the 3-mile (5-kilometre) Bumpass Hell Trail to get close to the Big Boiler steam vent. Watch thick mud rise and fall in brown bubbles and smell the sulphur that emanates from vents rising from deep within the earth’s crust.
Head to the southeastern side of the park, the Warner Valley Area, to reach Boiling Springs Lake with year-round temperature of 125˚F (52˚C). The shoreline is marked by several geysers that frequently blast steaming water into the sky. Stay on trails and boardwalks to avoid burns or falling through thin surface crusts.
Leave your strange surroundings and hike into the beautiful forest. Find boundless hiking opportunity in more than 150 miles (241 kilometres) of paths with splendid views of the main volcano and south to Brokeoff Mountain. Bring binoculars to spot the bald eagles and peregrine falcons that often hunt here. Look between the branches of fragrant conifer trees that may hide red foxes, coyotes and even black bears.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northeastern California. Use the park’s entrances approximately 50 miles (80 kilometres) east of Redding or 160 miles (257 kilometres) west of Reno. The park is open year-round and has a small admission fee. Snow renders many of the trails unusable during the winter however, sledding and cross-country skiing are both popular at this time.
U.S. national parks offer affordable adventure for all types of travellers. Enjoy the sights and smells of your trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park.
