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With one day in Lassen Volcanic National Park, you can see and do a lot, but you should still prioritize the best hikes in the park.
Let’s look at the trails and areas you can’t miss while visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park for a day.
About Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of nine national parks in California, and it gets about 400,000 annual visitors. It gets a tenth as many visitors as Yosemite and Yellowstone, and yet it shares some of the famous features of these national parks.
Volcanic hydrothermal activity? Check. Lassen Volcanic has all four of the types of volcanoes found in the world, and it has several hydrothermal areas, such as Bumpass Hell and Sulphur Works.
Incredible nature? Check. Lassen Volcanic is about 166 square miles of mountain peaks, forests, wildlife, and more than 200 lakes and ponds.
Can You Really See Lassen Volcanic in One Day?
Yes, but with only one day I suggest visiting just two of the five regions of Lassen Volcanic National Park: Manzanita and Summit Lakes and Southwest.
There are three other regions in Lassen Volcanic that are accessible at different entrances and via unpaved roads. These areas you can visit on another trip or with more time (and with a high-clearance vehicle).
All 5 regions of Lassen Volcanic National Park:
- Manzanita and Summit Lakes
- Southwest
- Butte Lake
- Warner Valley
- Juniper Lake
Stick to the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.
In one day, you can drive the whole length of the scenic Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway from the northwest to southwest entrance station and back. I know because this is what we did.
It takes about an hour to drive this 30-mile paved highway without stopping, but of course, you will be stopping.
Prioritize the best stops during your one day in Lassen Volcanic, and you’ll be surprised at how much you can see and do in just a short time.
Best Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Bumpass Hell
- Helen Lake
- Sulphur Works
- Kings Creek
- Cold Boiling Lake
- Lily Pad Pond
Itinerary for One Day in Lassen Volcanic National Park
For this itinerary, you’ll be driving along the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (Hwy 89), which connects the northwest entrance to the southwest entrance.
No matter which entrance you start from, head to Bumpass Hell first (and make no stops along the way).
Hike to Bumpass Hell
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy-moderate
Elevation gain: 200 feet
Open: July-October
Arrive early to find parking
The hike to Bumpass Hell is extremely popular when it’s open, the most popular trail in the park, so it’s best to be one of the first to arrive. Get here before 9 a.m. I can’t emphasize this enough.
We arrived at about 9 a.m. and got our pick of the parking. Fortunately, the parking lot is pretty large.
However, when we finished the hike, around 11 a.m., not only was the parking lot full but cars were lined along the road for at least a quarter mile, trying to get in. It was madness.
Alternative parking lot if Bumpass Hell is full
If you do arrive late and can’t find parking, you can park at Kings Creek instead and hike from there, adding 2 miles (so 5 mile hike total). We ran into several people who did this. This hike will pass by the Cold Boiling Lake, so you’ll be combining two hikes into one.
Why is it called Bumpass Hell?
Bumpass Hell is named after a man named Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, who came upon the area in 1864. He accidentally stepped in the boiling mudpots and burned his foot — not once but twice. His foot was so badly burned it had to be amputated. He called the area “hell.”
Tips for hiking in Bumpass Hell
Stay on the boardwalks. Some parts of the ground in the Bumpass Hell area may look sturdy but in fact are not. Do not step off of the boardwalks. Many hikers have been burned in Bumpass Hell by stepping on thin crust that broke through to the acidic boiling water underneath.
Be prepared for an eggy smell. You’ll know you’re close to the hydrothermal area when you start smelling rotten eggs. That’s the hydrogen sulfide gas.
Take in the views at the overlook. There’s a short trail that goes off to an overlook, where you can get a view of Bumpass Hell from above (slightly). I definitely recommend it.
Come when the trail is open. Bumpass Hell is only open July-October, depending on the snow pack. Check the national park’s website before arrival to make sure it’s open when you plan to visit.
Have Lunch at Helen Lake
Helen Lake is right across from Bumpass Hell, so after your hike, head on over and have lunch. (Don’t forget to pack a lunch!)
There are several picnic tables at Helen Lake, where you can sit and eat while enjoying the views. Strangely, we were some of the only people doing this.
Little chipmunks kept bothering us, but they were so cute, we didn’t mind.
Did you know that Sprouts has $5 lunch packs? We bought lunch packs for $5.49 in the Sprouts grocery store in Redding, CA, where we stayed. It came with a sandwich, a bag of chips, apple sauce, a cookie, and a small bottle of water. Such a great deal! We brought them with us for an easy lunch in the national park. If you’re staying near Redding, I recommend stopping by Sprouts to pick up these lunch packs.
Are there any restaurants or stores in Lassen Volcanic National Park? The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center does have a small store and cafe. But it was PACKED at lunch time. However, if you were unable to bring any food with you, that will be your next best option.
Visit Sulphur Works
Sulphur Works is a popular area to visit in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a hydrothermal area, featuring bubbling mud pots and steam vents — all on the side of the road. How wild is that?
Sulphur Works is a vent for the last rumblings of a long-dead volcano, according to information from the National Park Service, and it’s evidence that magma still lies underneath Lassen today.
Where to park? There’s a small parking lot near Sulphur Works, but, even during peak times, parking is not too hard to come by. People are constantly coming and going. Just be patient and a car will surely start pulling out soon.
How long to spend here? Sulphur Works is a quick stop. You don’t need more than 10 minutes to see the hydrothermal area as it’s not that large.
If you’re looking for more things to do in this area, consider the Ridge Lakes Trail, a strenuous 2-mile hike, which starts at Sulphur Works.
Hydrothermal Areas in Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Sulphur Works: No hike required (easiest to access)
- Cold Boiling Lake: 1.6 mile RT hike required
- Boiling Springs Lake: 3 mile RT hike required
- Bumpass Hell: 3 mile RT hike required (largest hydrothermal area)
- Devils Kitchen: 4.2 mile RT hike required (second largest hydrothermal area)
- Terminal Geyser: 5.8 mile RT hike required
Stop at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
Be sure to stop by the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which has educational information, a store, a cafe, and rangers able to answer any questions.
This visitor center is actually open year-round. It can get crowded during peak times, so it may just be a quick stop for you like it was for us.
There are clean bathrooms here as well, which, if anything, is worth the stop.
Explore Kings Creek
The Kings Creek area is gorgeous. There’s a campground here, but most people stop at Kings Creek because it’s the trailhead for two popular hikes — Kings Creek Falls and Cold Boiling Lake, among others.
However, be sure to explore the creek, which runs through the meadow and trees. It’s so peaceful.
I saw many people sitting in their folding chairs, just basking in the beauty.
Hike to the Cold Boiling Lake
Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Flat
The Cold Boiling Lake is an easy, interesting trail. You’ll first walk through a burned forest, where nearly all the trees are ashy black and bare, rid of any greenery. It’s quite spooky.
Eventually, you’ll reach the Cold Boiling Lake, which is a dying hydrothermal feature. Only a very small part of the lake emits the gas bubbles (how the lake gets its name).
Despite this, I’d still say the hike was worth it as it’s not every day you see a bubbling lake. Although, don’t expect the whole lake to be bubbling, it’s just a very small section.
I personally was wary of touching the water even though we saw several ducks swimming in it. I don’t think it’s toxic, but the fact that gas is coming into it makes me think twice.
Visit Manzanita Lake
Manzanita Lake might be the most famous lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s a recreational area, where you can swim, fish, and kayak.
This was a short stop for us as we just wanted to see the lake before moving on. It was the end of our day and the end of our energy.
Some people can spend all day enjoying Manzanita Lake.
There are even camping cabins nearby, where you can spend the night.
Hike to the Lily Pad Pond
Distance: 0.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: Flat
The Lily Pad Pond Loop is a very easy trail, less than a mile long. The trail goes past Reflection Lake then loops around to the Lily Pad Pond.
If you’re wondering, just how many lily pads are in this pond? Be not dismayed, the pond is filled to the brim with lily pads. Hundreds of lily pads cover the surface of this pond.
It’s quite incredible.
This was the last hike we did during our day in Lassen Volcanic. It was nearing 5 p.m. and most people were heading home for the day. We had the trail virtually to ourselves. It was so quiet, so peaceful.
The sky was starting to get dark as we made our way out of the park.
I was honestly surprised I still had energy to do this hike after everything else we had done and saw in Lassen Volcanic that day.
I think I was running on pure adrenaline, hyped up about how beautiful everything was, and how I just wanted to see it ALL.
We did as much as we could in one day in Lassen Volcanic National Park. There are so many amazing trails in this park, it’s hard to choose what to do, what to prioritize. But a person is limited in energy and time, so I hope this post helps you plan the best day you can in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Other Things to Do in Lassen Volcanic National Park with More Time
- Devastated Area Trail
- Kings Creek Falls
- Mill Creek Falls
- Ridge Lakes
- Cinder Cone
- Devils Kitchen
Where to Stay when Visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park
Stay in the Park
If you want to stay inside the park, the only option is at a campground.
There are no hotels or lodgings in Lassen Volcanic.
The closest thing to lodging in the park is the camping cabins in Manzanita Lake. These cabins have no bedding and no en-suite bathrooms. The bare minimum is provided in terms of furniture, and you’ll have to shower at the nearby shower area, provided for the campsites.
There is also a secluded lodge in Warner Valley called Drakesbad Guest Ranch, but it remains closed in 2024 for repairs from the Dixie Fire.
Stay Outside the Park
Most people stay outside of the park and drive into Lassen Volcanic for the day. This is what we did.
The two largest cities nearby are Redding and Redbluff.
- From Redding, you’ll drive about 45 miles, or 50 minutes, to reach the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic.
- From Redbluff, you’ll drive about 50 miles, or 1 hour, to reach the southwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic.
Where we stayed: We stayed in Redding, CA at the Oxford Suites Redding, a hotel chain I have come to love and adore because their FREE buffet breakfasts are incredible (fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy hash browns, fresh berries, and more).
I’ve stayed in three different Oxford Suites locations and have been thoroughly impressed each time. They’re only in four western U.S. states currently, but I hope they expand soon.
Anyways, we drove from Redding to the northwest entrance and back in a day and felt it was very doable.
Can’t Miss Things to Do in Redding, CA
View 202. I celebrated my birthday in Redding with a dinner at View 202, a restaurant with views of the Sacramento River, and loved it. Highly recommend making reservations there, if you have time.
Sundial Bridge. While in Redding, you also CAN’T miss the Sundial Bridge. It’s so beautiful! It’s not a bridge you drive over (like I thought). It’s a pedestrian bridge, and there are walking paths and a garden nearby so expect to spend some time exploring.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park
Visit in Summer: The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park, if you’re looking to do the most, is during summer and early fall, specifically late July to October.
For those wanting to hike Bumpass Hell, visit in late July to October, as the trail is generally open during these months. Check for updates on the trail before arrival for exact dates that Bumpass Hell will be open for the season.
Visit in Winter? In other months, Lassen Volcanic experiences a lot of snow. (We visited in September and there was STILL snow on the ground.)
The snowpack can be pretty intense (up to 240″ deep), so it takes a while for it to all be cleared off the road.
The park is open year-round, and many people enjoy winter activities in Lassen Volcanic, such as snowshoeing and sledding.
How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park
The closest airports to Lassen Volcanic National Park are:
- Redding Regional Airport (about 45 miles away)
- Sacramento International Airport (about 185 miles away)
We flew into the Sacramento International Airport, which is farther away, just because there were more flights that worked for us. It’s a much bigger airport (and actually pretty efficient overall).
In Sacramento, we rented a car and drove up to Redding, where we stayed for two nights before driving back down to Sacramento.
Getting Around Lassen Volcanic National Park
No shuttles. There are no shuttles in Lassen Volcanic National Park, so you’ll need to have your own car to get around the park.
Stay in the main areas. I’d recommend sticking to the main areas of the park — the Southwest region and the Manzanita Lake region, especially if you only have one day.
Stick to the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway. There is one main highway (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) that goes through both main sections, from the southwest entrance to the northwest entrance, and this highway is paved and in good condition.
Regular car is fine. You won’t need an SUV or high-clearance vehicle if you stick to Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, which I really recommend.
Before You Go: Check Current Conditions
Check for any road or trail closures on the official national park website. Roads are often closed during winter due to snow, and sometimes, in summer, roads can be closed due to fire. Always check current conditions before setting out.
Entry Fees
It costs $30 per vehicle to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park from April 15 to November 30, and your entry is valid for one week. From December 1 to April 15, it only costs $10.
If you plan to visit more than three national parks in a year, definitely get an America the Beautiful pass to save money.
FAQs about Visiting Lassen Volcanic in One Day
How much time do you need at Lassen Volcanic National Park?
One full day is a good amount of time to see and do a lot in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
With two days, of course, you can do even more as there are just so many amazing trails in the park.
What not to miss in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Don’t miss Bumpass Hell! That’s the one trail you MUST do in Lassen Volcanic. Be sure to visit when this trail is open, generally from late July to October.
Is Lassen Volcanic National Park worth visiting?
It is definitely worth visiting. Lassen Volcanic is my favorite national park in California, and that’s saying something. I’ve been to all 9, and yet I can’t stop thinking about Lassen Volcanic.
Is one day enough for Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Yes, one full day is enough time to see the main parts of Lassen Volcanic. If you only have one day, definitely still come. It’s amazing!
Can you drive through Lassen Volcanic National Park?
There is one main highway (Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway) that goes through the main sections of the park, from the southwest entrance to the northwest entrance. This highway is paved and in good condition.
When was Lassen Volcanic National Park established?
Lassen Volcanic was established as a national park in 1916.
Where is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Lassen Volcanic is in northern California, about 185 miles north of Sacramento. The closest major city is Redding, which is about 45 miles west.
How busy is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Lassen Volcanic National Park does get busy during the summer, but it’s bearable. You’ll find most of the traffic in the most popular areas, such as Sulphur Works, the visitor center, and Bumpass Hell. Outside of those areas, it’s not really busy.
Arrive early in the summer, especially on weekends, to get the popular areas out of the way. Then enjoy the rest of the park, crowd free.
What are some lesser known facts about Lassen Volcanic National Park?
- All four types of volcanoes are found in Lassen Volcano National Park: shield (Prospect Peak), plug dome (Lassen Peak), cinder cone (Cinder Cone), and composite (Brokeoff Volcano).
- Lassen Peak erupted in 1914 for the first time in 27,000 years. It erupted for months, creating a dome in the peak, raining ash for miles.
- Every rock in Lassen Volcano National Park originated from a volcano.
What are some good hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
The best hike in the park, hands down, is the trail to Bumpass Hell. It’s also the most popular trail, and it’s only open from July to October, due to snow. Don’t miss it!
Why isn’t Lassen Volcanic Park in California more popular if it’s similar to Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone and Lassen Volcanic both have interesting hydrothermal volcanic features. I have visited both parks, and so I understand why Yellowstone is more popular.
Yellowstone has more hydrothermal features, but not only that, it is much easier and more accessible to see them. You can simply drive right up to the parking lot, walk a little, and there they are.
At Lassen, there are only a few volcanic areas, and all except one require a lengthy hike (between 2-6 miles).
What is the weather like in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
In summer, the temperatures are inconsistent. Some days, it will be warm, some days it will feel cold.
We visited in the summer and had to wear a jacket. It was cold in the morning, though it warmed up a little by the afternoon. There were also some random showers, on and off, during the day. The rain would last a few minutes, so we’d just wait for it to clear. It felt like we experienced all four seasons in one day (as we even saw snow on the ground in some areas).
I’d suggest dressing in layers or bringing a jacket with you, just in case, if you’re visiting in summer. It will probably be cold in the morning, if anything.
In winter, Lassen Volcanic experiences a lot of snow. The snowpack can be pretty intense (up to 240″ deep). Be prepared for winter conditions.
What to pack to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Favorite travel essentials
- I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
- I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized.
- I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
- I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
Other Posts to Help You Plan Your Trip to California
- Best National Parks in California (From Someone Who’s Visited All 9)
- Visiting Redwood National Park: 3 Day Itinerary
- 4 Day Itinerary for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir: Best Hike in Pinnacles National Park
- One Day in Death Valley National Park (Itinerary Using Paved Roads ONLY)
- Day Trip to Channel Islands National Park
- Perfect 1 to 3 Day Itinerary for Kings Canyon National Park