Our Five Favorite Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Our Five Favorite Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park
From family-friendly walks to bagging 10,000’ peaks, there’s a trail for every body and ability.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is for everybody!
Hiking in Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the best ways to experience the park's majesty. And planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your trip to the park. And with so many trails to choose from, it could take days to check them all off your bucket list.
Many viewpoints and a few trails are wheelchair accessible, making them easy for everybody to enjoy and easy to navigate for strollers and other mobility aids. Lassen also has three mountains to scale for those willing and in good enough shape to take them on. Backcountry trails criss-cross the park for overnight hikes, including a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. But most trails are right in between— perfect for day trips and hiking with kids or groups of varying abilities.
View of Lassen Peak from King’s Creek area.
No matter which trail you choose, you’re sure to get epic views and learn about the volcanic activity that makes Lassen Volcanic National Park famous.
We'll never understand why it’s so underrated, but you won’t hear us complaining about the lack of crowds! As one of the least visited national parks in California, Lassen never feels too busy or overcrowded. Many of Lassen’s best hikes were spared from the Dixie Fire in 2021, but several areas of the park are still closed. The fire affected nothing west of Hwy 89, and only one of the hikes on this list, King’s Creek Falls, was impacted. So always be sure to check nps.gov/lavo to check for current conditions before you travel. You’ll also find information about entrance fees, permits, and programs. Another great resource is the National Park Service App which provides info for every NPS site and has offline capabilities.
Four seasons of fun at Lassen Volcanic National Park!
Views of Lassen Volcanic National Park from Bumpass Hell Trail.
Winter at Lassen Volcanic National Park is truly magical and not to be overlooked. The highest points in the park can see up to 30’ of snow in a single winter season! After the first big snowfall in late fall until the thaw in Spring, Hwy 89 through the park stays closed to vehicle traffic. The Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center remains open year-round, and camping is available in the parking area. Several trails and the unplowed highway are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and a sledding hill is located near the visitor center.
As Spring comes along, expect snow-covered sections of trails and muddy conditions. Summer is spectacular, but Fall is even better. The trails are dry, there are even fewer people, and the crisp mountain morning air can’t be beat.
Map of Lassen Volcanic National Park provided by NPS. Click to download.
Here's a list of our five favorite hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park:
So you can make the most out of a single day in the park, all of the hikes we’ve included on this list are accessible via Hwy 89.
Brokeoff Mountain
The most challenging hike on our list, at almost 7.5 miles long and over a half mile of elevation gain, is Brokeoff Mountain. This high elevation hike will take at least seven hours with the possibility of snow patches into July. But the views at the top are well worth the effort! Expect lots of wildflowers and birds all along the trail. The trailhead is located a couple of miles before the actual entrance to the park, but a permit is still required to park and hike this trail.Not only is this fun hike fun to say, but it’s also one of the most exciting places to visit in the park. The quintessential landscape of bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and boiling streams is all evidence of the park’s lively volcanic activity. Usually smelled before seen, you can get up close to the gurgling caldera via a boardwalk that crosses through the terrain. This hike is a favorite for kids and an excellent opportunity to learn about Lassen’s unique and wild geothermal activity.
This wheelchair-accessible .25-mile loop trail is a perfect spot for viewing the aftermath of the park’s most recent eruption of Lassen Peak in 1915/1916. The trail has informational signs with audio and offers excellent views of Lassen Peak and the Devastated Area. Located about midway through the park, this is a perfect place to stop for a picnic!
Another favorite for kids, the moderate 2.5-mile hike can be done either in a loop or as an out-and-back trail. If hiking with kids, it’s advisable to do the out-and-back to avoid the steep one-way staircase in the loop section. Enjoy views of the 30-foot King’s Creek Falls from the overlook at the turnaround point.
A leisurely stroll around the lake provides epic views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags and is a great spot to watch the sunset. At only 1.75 miles with almost no elevation change, this walk takes about an hour to complete. You may want to spend more time wildlife viewing, bird watching, and chasing wildflowers.
View of Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Anytime you plan to go hiking, always ensure you’re well prepared. Pick a trail to match your physical abilities, pack enough water, and choose the appropriate clothing and footwear for the hike. It’s also a good idea to pack snacks, a small first aid kit, and a phone in case of emergencies. Always practice good outdoor ethics like staying on the trail, not feeding or approaching the wildlife, and leaving no trace. If hiking alone, always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return.
And after you’ve put all those miles under your feet, you will be hungry and thirsty! So head over to Mineral Lodge, Highland Ranch Resort, or Frank’s Bistro at The Village on Hwy 36 to satisfy those post-hike munchies!
Helen Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
For more information about visiting and hiking at Lassen Volcanic National Park, see our adventure guide here. Also, consider joining a ranger-led program for an immersive and fun learning experience. The rangers are highly knowledgeable and love to teach visitors about their parks. Kids are encouraged to gain their Junior Ranger badge by completing the Junior Ranger books provided for free at the visitor center.
Mill Creek Resort is located just 15 minutes from the Southwest entrance to Lassen and is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the park. We offer cabins, glamping options, a campground, and an RV park for overnight stays.
To check for availability or make your reservations, click below!
See you on the trail!