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Lassen Volcanic National Park

21820 Lassen Peak Highway, Mineral, California

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.

Meta review

Based on online reviews, the most popular sights and hikes are Bumpass Hell, Sulphur Works, Lassen Peak hike (refer to separate activity review) and Cinder Cone hike. Bumpass Hell is described as a 'mini-Yellowstone', interesting but not as impressive as one might expect. The trails and boardwalk around the geothermal areas are of good quality and this good infrastructure and planning extends to Sulphur Works which has the highway and plenty of parking conveniently located closed to it. As for Cinder Cone, going to the top is a little strenuous for most reviewers; hiking poles are recommended given the gravel and ashy terrain but the views from the top are ample reward.

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 for visitors with reduced mobility (Sulphur Work, Visitor Centers, and some views)

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:2h

est. visit time:4h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
7-Day pass for individual on foot/bicycle is $15, for motorbike $25 and car $30

Max number of travellers:

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:11

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$30
US$30
2+
US$0
US$0

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