Must-Do Hikes in Lassen

If you are a thrill seeker, Lassen Volcanic National Park is the perfect place to be. It has all types of volcanoes and is a gorgeous place to go and admire nature! Here are some of my favorite hikes at Lassen Volcanic Park!

1) Cinder Cone Trail

If you are looking for the most photographed hike in the park, this one would probably be it. It's a little under 5 miles, but it can definitely give you a run for your money if you don't have hiking sticks. Before you arrive on the trail, you will have to off-road for about 10-15 minutes to get to the trail. Make sure that you have a car that can go the distance. In addition, this trail has very little shade. I would recommend bringing a hat and trekkingpoles. When going down, I would recommend the back instead of the front, as the cinders can move under your feet and can be very slippery. It is much easier to go on the back side as there is less foot traffic.

2) Lassen Peak Trail

This hike is under 5 miles but has the highest peak in the park and allows you to stand on top of an active volcano. It is really cool to see the ice terrain. When you arrive at the "top", make sure to keep going until you see the ice terrain. There should be a path for you to continue, where you will find cell phone service and really amazing views of the park!

3) King Falls Trail

A shorter, easier hike that allows you to view a stunning waterfall. I will note that the exit to this hike is a straight shot upstairs, which can be a bit difficult for people, especially in the summer. Make sure to bring enough water!

4) Bumpass Hell Trail

Another shorter hike to add that is really cool to look at is Bumpass Hell. You can see all the sulfur vents and boiling mud pots. It is a bit stinky, so it's definitely hard to be at the vents for too long. It is named after a man who fell into the sulfur pots trying to make money from the natural resources. Talk about karma!

5) Manzanita Lake Trail

Manzanita Lake Trail is a great place to be, where you can see the lake from all sides as well as go paddleboarding or canoeing afterwards. If you are into camping, this was a great place to camp and was a central place to stay inside the park!