Best things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022

Image credit: alessandrarc / 123rf

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to one of the world’s largest plug dome volcanoes, Lassen Peak. The park is also famous for its hydrothermal features, which include boiling mudpots, steaming fumaroles, and bubbling pools. The best things to do in the park are to hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, explore the hydrothermal features, and take a scenic drive through the park. Other top tourist attractions in Lassen Volcanic National Park include the Bumpass Hell trail, the Devastated Area, and the Lassen Volcanic Visitor Center.

Contents:

1. Hike through Lassen Volcanic National Park

A visitor's experience when hiking through Lassen Volcanic National Park may be characterized as awe-inspiring. The park's dramatic landscape, with its towering volcanoes and flowing creeks, is a sight to behold. The trails are well-maintained and provide visitors with a variety of options for exploring the area. The views from the top of some of the volcanoes are especially breathtaking.

2. Visit the Lassen Volcanic Center

Visitors who visit the Lassen Volcanic Center will feel awestruck by the magnitude of the park and the beauty of the surrounding volcanic lands. They will be able to see firsthand the incredible power of the Lassen Volcanic Park and the dangers that come with its eruptions.

3. Take a scenic drive through the park

When a visitor takes a scenic drive through the park in Lassen Volcanic, they may feel awe as they look out at the landscape of the volcano. The drive may also give them a sense of peace as they see the natural beauty of the park.

4. Go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter

A visitor's experience when they go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter in Lassen Volcanic can be described as a unique experience. The snow is pristine and the forests are covered in a blanket of snow. The visitors can feel the cold air sweeping across the landscape and the snow crunching beneath their feet.

5. Visit the Cinder Cone Nature Trail

When a person visits the Cinder Cone Nature Trail, they will likely be amazed by the natural beauty of the area. The trail is a great way to get a sense of the history of the Lassen Volcanic National Park and experience the diverse landscape. The trail is also a great way to get some exercise, as it is a relatively long trail.

6. Take a dip in one of the park's hot springs

A visitor's experience when they take a dip in one of the park's hot springs in Lassen Volcanic is relaxing and invigorating. The springs are surrounded by lush greenery, and the hot water feels amazing on the skin.

7. Go for a hike on the Bumpass Hell Trail

A visitor hikes up the Bumpass Hell Trail and sees a landscape of craters, lava fields, and steaming vents. The trail is steep and winding, and the visitor may trip over loose rocks. The air is hot and dry, and the visitor may feel a burning sensation in their lungs after spending a few minutes hiking.

8. Explore the Devastated Area

When a visitor enters the Devastated Area in Lassen Volcanic National Park, they are immediately struck by the magnitude of the destruction. The area is covered in ash and rubble, and is strewn with melted rocks and burnt trees. The visitor may feel overwhelmed by the devastation, and may find it difficult to find any signs of life. However, the visitor's experience can be greatly improved by taking the time to explore the area. By walking through the devastation, the visitor can gain a better understanding of the severity of the eruption, and can appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

9. Take a scenic drive on the Lassen Scenic Byway

When someone takes a scenic drive on the Lassen Scenic Byway, they will likely enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The drive will take them through forests and rolling hills, and the view of the many volcanoes will be awe-inspiring.