Summer Itineraries

Four Hours

Drive Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway to enjoy many highlights including scenic vistas and access to several hiking trails. A one-way journey on the 30-mile highway will take approximately one hour without any stops.

Sulphur Works provides the easiest access to an active hydrothermal area. Walk along the sidewalk from the parking area to discover the areas plopping mudpot, and steaming vents.

Lake Helen, at the base of Lassen Peak, is a sight not to miss. This high elevation lake often has snow and ice into mid-summer. The views of Lassen Peak are unbeatable and a picnic area to the east is a great spot to stop for lunch.

Devastated Area Interpretive Trail is a wheelchair-accessible loop with amazing views of the destruction caused by Lassen Peak's eruptions of 1914-17. Read more about the eruption on wayside exhibits located along the trail.

Manzanita Lake Area offers numerous easy to moderate trails with scenic views and opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.

 

One Day

A full day gives you time to enjoy multiple highlights on Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway at at least one hike in the Southwest or Manzanita Lake Areas.

Take a Hike. Parking is limited at trailheads along the park highway and can fill up early. Consider arriving early; going mid-week; or choosing an equally scenic, but less popular trail.

Enjoy a Picnic. Pick up supplies or grab ready-to-go items at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store or Lassen Cafe in the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Bring a blanket and picnic along the edge of a lake or meadow or snag a picnic table at Lake Helen, Kings Creek, Summit Lake North, Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, or Warner Valley.

Cast a fishing line into one of the park's many lakes.

 

Two or More Days

More time provides the opportunity to enjoy longer hikes and a full day in one of the more remote areas of the park. View directions to the remote areas of Butte Lake, Warner Valley and Juniper Lake.

Butte Lake Area offers a striking landscape including the barren Cinder Cone volcano, colorful Painted Dunes, and lava rock-lined Butte Lake. The area offers excellent opportunities for camping, hiking, non-motorized boating, swimming, and fishing.

Warner Valley Area is home to numerous hydrothermal areas, which can be accessed by easy to moderate hikes. It is also contains the only lodging in the park. Drakesbad Guest Ranch offers lodging, dining, and a thermal pool; reservations are required.

Juniper Lake Area offers numerous lakes, a hike to an active fire lookout, and a large beach for swimming and non-motorized boating.

An overnight or late night stay means an opportunity to enjoy Lassen Volcanic's dark night skies. Learn more about how and where to stargaze in the park.