Lassen Peak hike (Lassen Volcanic NP)
1 / 6
Lassen Peak hike - by Joshua Goldsmith on Alltrails
Description
Lassen Peak or Mount Lassen is a volcano (technically the largest lava dome on the planet) culminating at 3,187m located in the Lassen Volcanic National Park, in the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California. It is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range of the western United States. The hike reviewed here is a short 8km out and back to the summit with an altitude gain of 600m on mostly non-technical trail, making it suitable for intermediate hikers as well as inexperienced ones with a good base fitness level.
Access & Transport
The trailhead starts from a large parking area, just off the Lassen Peak Hwy (CA-89), about 1km northeast of the Bumpass parking. The closest town is Reding, 75km away to the west, Reno is 200km to the southeast and Sacramento, 250km south. These are also the closest airports.
Instructions & Recommendations
The through highway is often closed in winter. You can still access the trails in Lassen, but you may have to ski or snowshoe in. For more information about current conditions in the park and on park roads, visit: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Hiking of trail-running shoes are best for this terrain.
Environmental & Social
Green activity that brings a little economic activity to rural communities in the region.
Conclusion
The hike to the top of Mount Lassen will reward visitors with dominating views over the entire national park and the Shasta mountains in the distance. It is easy to get to the trailhead and this activity can easily be combined with a visit of the rest of the national park (on the same day)
Key positive
Beautiful scenery
Non-technical except for some possible snow cover
Key negative
Time consuming to get to the trailhead (unless already in the NP)
Suitability
Suitable for anybody with a decent fitness level (best for children > 10yrs old).
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in July 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:2h
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo