Lassen Volcanic National Park
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Lassen Volcanic NP - by Quentin Burgess on Unsplash
Description
Lassen Volcanic National Park is an active volcanic region in north-eastern California'. The source of heat comes from the subduction of the Gorda Plate (beneath the Pacific Ocean) diving below the North American one. It is one of the few areas in the world where all four types of volcanoes can be found: plug dome, shield, cinder cone, and stratovolcano. The main natural features are Lassen Peak (largest plug dome volcano in the world), Cinder Cone and surrounding Lava Beds, Bumpass Hell (with boiling springs, mudpots, and fumaroles) and other hydrothermal areas such as Sulphur Works or Boiling Springs Lake.
Access & Transport
The park has two entrance stations on either end of the 30-mile (50km) park highway: 1) Loomis Museum (Northwest Entrance): 29489 Lassen National Park Hwy, Shingletown 2) Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (Southwest Entrance): 21820 Lassen National Park Hwy The closest town is Reding, 75km away to the west, Reno is 200km to the southeast and Sacramento, 250km south. Those are also the closest airports. Accessibility info: https://www.nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm
Instructions & Recommendations
You do not need a reservation to enter the park. Road access, services, and activities are limited in the snowy season (approximately November - May). Fuel stations are limited in this remote area so you are advised to fill up your gas tank before entering the park.
Environmental & Social
Green activity and infrastructure + visitor numbers are sustainable (i.e. manageable impact). Brings a little economic activity to rural communities in the region.
Conclusion
Another Northern California delight for outdoor lovers. There is a lot packed there that can be taken in a few hours with hiking, volcanoes and geothermal features. On its own, it is a long trip from the Bay Area therefore it is best to include it in a multi-day road trip with other sights in the Shasta area and some redwood forests!
Key positive
Some spectacular views and natural features
Not busy
Key negative
Time consuming to get to
Suitability
Partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (Sulphur Work, Visitor Centers, and some views)
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in July 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:2h
est. visit time:4h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo
Max number of travellers:
Min. Child age:3
Max. child age:11