mount lassen

In 1914 when Mount Lassen began erupting, local business man and amateur photographer, B.F. Loomis grabbed his gear and recorded the volcano’s major eruptions during 1914 and 1915 as well as the devastation afterwards. Being the first major volcanic eruption in the contiguous United States and the first volcanic eruption anywhere to be captured in both photographs and motion pictures, the Mount Lassen captured the fascination of the American public and Mr. Loomis championed the formation of a national park which became reality on August 9, 1916. Today, Mount Lassen rises to the height of 10,462 feet (3,189m) and dominates the beautiful national park consisting of alpine lakes, evergreen forests and hydrothermal features that, despite its beauty and diversity, is one of the least visited. However, the park’s low rate of visitation does make it particularly special for those that do venture here as one can have most of Lassen’s many wonderful, unspoiled trails virtually to themselves, including the strenuous 5.0 mile (8.1k) roundtrip hike to the top of Mount Lassen. While the trail to the top has been closed much of the last few years for rehabilitation, the work is now complete and the trail is open. If hiking is not for you, the park offers a scenic drive that arcs around Mount Lassen with many pullouts to enjoy the features of the park and is just the right length for a wonderful day visit.

Many people don't realize the diversity of resources contained in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The fumaroles (steam and volcanic gas vents), the steaming ground, mud pots, boiling lakes, hot creeks are all fascinating and provide a real opportunity to learn about geology and volcanology. Great hiking trails. Easy backpack routes. Great camping opportunities. Fascinating night sky. Kayak at Manzanita Lake. Vistas. Wildlife. And a myriad of other exciting things to do and experience all are present in this amazing national park.

Before visiting we checked the website and answer phone message to find the park was closed following a winter storm on 31st October. Because we were in the area we decided to visit on 5th November, signs on the road leading to the park said it was closed as did signs at the entrance to the park. We went to the visitor centre where after asking a ranger how far we could go in the park he said it was open, when we pointed out that all the signs, the website and the answerphone still said the park was closed he said they had n't been updated! When we asked about some of the trails to areas of volcanic activity he said we could visit these but all the direction signs had been taken down. Despite this the scenary was beautiful enhanced by the snow

Went here because I had gone as a child and wanted to revisit. Scenery is beautiful even though the lakes are low. You can see a lot from the turnouts in the road, but a lot more can be seen if you like to hike. This would be a great place to go camping. At the entrance and the visitors center we were told to go to Bumpass Hell and that the trail was fairly level except for the end where there were a few steps down to the mudpots. That was mostly true except that the few steps were actually a few switchbacks. Go in the fall when the temperatures are perfect.

This park is an easy one day drive on the semicircular road between the north and south entrances. Stop at the north entrance information center which is a combination museum, gift shop and informative displays.If you are a hiker (we're not) there are trails which must be very scenic.The history of the volcanoes is amazing and that whole region of California is scattered with lava rock strewn from a 1914 eruption which completely obliterated an entire mountain! Where that disappeared volcano was there is now some geothermal features you can get close to safely.Take your camera.

The first thing to know is that there are numerous climates and diverse regions that make up this park. Unlike so many other parks which have one set of expectations, Lassen has many: sulfer pots and the badlands, alpine peaks, mountain ranges, valleys, meadows and sub-desert conditions. Add to this natural wonder the fact that traffic into the park is nominal and you have nature without the crazy crowds. So many others have provided detail on what to see and points of interest, so I will day ditto. Lassen is a must see on any trip of the west.

We had heard that Lassen was similar to Yellowstone and one of the least visited National Parks in the USA. Late October was perfect in that there were very few visitors, the weather cooperated (although there was snow on the ground), scenery was beautiful, the mudpots were unique and there was plenty of viewing areas (essentially deserted). Highly recommend the video at the Visitor Center before your trip into the park. The drive on Hwy 89 is spectacular!

We were here nine years ago, and could only make it about five miles before we came to a Road Closed sign. The snow was extremely deep and impassable, but it made for some magnificent scenery. When we returned this summer, the park roads were passable, though I think the Bumpass Trail was closed due to snow. Along the main road are awesome views of ice lakes with such a deep blue, it’ll take your breath away and fantastic mountain vistas. If you love the National Parks like we do, put this on your list. It doesn’t draw the crowds like its more popular cousin 300 miles to the south known as Yosemite. Just be sure to call ahead and make sure the roads and trails are open!

We enjoy travelling and national parks are a highlight for us. We visited during the 4th of July holiday and the weather was pleasant. The scenery was breath taking and we are always fascinated by the history behind the places we visit. Definitely worth the trip and great for families!

Decided to stop on by at one of the few national parks in California that I have never visited. So happy that I did. It is way up high on the slopes of the Lassen volcano. Nice and cool while it is 100+ down in the valley. Green and gorgeous with amazing geologic wonders surrounding you. We spent one day going from the North to the South entrance with 2-3 hikes. Plenty of time but it would have been nice to stay at one of the campgrounds as well - we stayed out of the park. The whole northern Sierras are amazing. Spend a few days in the surrounding areas as well for an experience of a lifetime.Beware - NO cell or WiFi service. You will be "out there".

The park rangers were friendly and in formative. The trip through the park was peaceful with many scenic views. With the road guide you can take full advantage of the trails and views. It is a little out of the way of the normal tourist but this adds to the fun...there is less traffic on the park roadways.

Average to Very good. Just not outstanding, like Glacier. If you are in the area it is worth spending a few hours. We enjoy visiting National Parks and the 30-mile Lassen Volcanic Natioal Park Highway offered a excellent introduction to the park.For a more in-depth auto-tour, pick up the Road Guide at the visitor center.The Roads though the park are very good. We learned that four types of volcanoes found in the entire world are in Lassen Volcanic National Park. That include a Shield, Lassen Peak a plug dome, cinder cone and composite volcanoes. The road guide auto-tour from the visitor center will point these out. We enjoyed the beautiful views of Lake Helen at the base of Lassen Peak. Nice place to picnic.And the views of Lassen Peak from the highest point on the park road, 8,512ft. As a light snow flurry came though. The Sulphur Works are very easy to reach. Just walk along a sidewalk from a near by parking area to the steam vents and bubbling mudpot. It is worth a visit, we spent about three hours.

At 2.5 miles and 2000 feet elevation gain this is a great summit to climb. Sunrise on the peak was sensational.

We stopped first at the mineral lodge to pick water and some food. There r benches near the beautiful lakes inside the national park. We stopped at the lake Helen first , had our lunch and spent abt an hr trying to soak in the breathtaking view. It was beyond words! After that we started our Bumpass Hell hike and we enjoyed every bit of it. Make sure u take enuf water with u because the visitor center closes at 5pm and you ll have no place to buy water or food.

You have to take the hike to Bumpass Hell. The trail is a 3 mile loop. On the weekends, the parking lot can get full, but don't fret, you can park on the side of the road. I suggest that you park down the hill next to Lake Helen and walk up the slope that leads to the trail. This will save you at least 5-10 minutes compared to starting at the parking lot. It took me about 40-45 minutes to get to the bottom. You can actually hear the steam vents hissing as you come around the corner and look down. The side of the mountain is a different color and you know you've arrived. The last leg of the trail is a steep incline so make sure you have on good shoes so that you don't slip. Although, I've seen some people hiking down with sandals. I don't recommend this as the sharp rocks can give you a nice cut. Once you arrive at the bottom, there is a boardwalk that takes you to different parts. There is actually a nice little pond at the end of the boardwalk that was very clear and quite a bit of a surprise. I did not expect to see that there. Don't carry too much and make sure you bring a towel with you as you are going to need it to wipe the sweat off your body when you make the trip back out. That was the hardest part of the hike, but definitely well worth it. Keep in mind that the trail will take you about 2.5-3hrs roundtrip. So prepare for that when you are planning on hitting up other sites.