Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Mineral, California, in the northeastern corner of the state. Varying terrain in the park includes meadows filled with wildflowers, glacial lakes, several volcanoes, and active fumaroles through which volcanic gases still escape from the earth. Hydrothermal areas in the park include the fumaroles, boiling mud pots and pools, and steam that rises from the ground. The effects are created when water from rain and snow seeps into the earth, and is heated by the molten rock beneath Lassen Peak.

  • Where can visitors experience geothermal activity in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
    • Visitors can experience these geological curiosities up close along the Sulphur Works, Devil’s Kitchen, and Bumpass Hell trails. Boardwalks and trails keep guests from stepping or falling through the thin earth into the boiling acidic water below.
  • Is Lassen Peak still an active volcano?
    • Yes, the activity in the park is an indication that Lassen Peak is still an active volcano and may potentially erupt in the future. Geologists surmise that the last major eruption took place sometime between 1675 and 1700.
  • What are some notable lakes and waterfalls in the park?
    • Boiling Springs Lake – A 125-degree lake accessible from the Warner Valley Campground after a 200-foot climb.
    • Cold Boiling Lake – Named for the gas bubbles that continually rise to the surface, accessible from the Kings Creek Picnic Area.
    • Mill Creek Falls – At 75 feet, it is the highest waterfall in the park.
    • Lake Helen – A glacial lake at 8,200 feet, named after Helen Tanner Brodt, the first woman to summit Lassen Peak in 1864.
  • What camping and lodging options are available?
    • There are nine campsites within the 150 miles of trails in the park.
    • Drakesbad Lodge in Warner Valley is a historic ranch from the 1800s offering guest rooms.
    • Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins – Offer 20 small cabins along Manzanita Lake. Guests can opt for the Camper’s Amenity Package, which provides all sleeping and dining essentials.
  • What visitor centers and museums are in the park?
    • Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center – Open year-round and includes a café, bookstore, and a 20-minute video on the park’s history and geology.
    • Loomis Museum – A historic structure adjacent to Manzanita Lake, offering exhibits, an auditorium, and a bookstore.
  • What is the historical significance of the Lassen area?
    • The area has historically been a meeting place for the Atsugew, Maidu, Yana, and Yahi tribes. Artifacts from these groups are displayed at the Loomis Museum.
    • The California Gold Rush brought settlers to the area, most notably Peter Lassen, a Danish blacksmith who attempted to establish a city.
  • When was Lassen Volcanic National Park established?
    • Volcanic activity in the early 1900s led to the formation of a new crater and lava flows. Following an eruption in 1916, Lassen Peak, Cinder Cone, and the surrounding area were upgraded from a National Monument to a National Park.
    • In 1972, the United States Congress designated a portion of the park as the Lassen Volcanic Wilderness, limiting developed facilities and signage.
  • What scenic driving routes are available?
    • Lassen Volcanic Park features a 30-mile highway that takes visitors past overlooks, viewpoints, and pull-outs showcasing the park’s most popular features.
    • Road guides are available at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center and Loomis Museum for an in-depth auto-tour experience.
  • What activities are available at Drakesbad Guest Ranch?
    • Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley offers horseback tours for both day and overnight guests.
  • What educational programs are available?
    • The Lassen Association's Field Seminar Program offers courses in nature photography, outdoor watercolor painting, and guided hikes. Proceeds benefit the park.
  • What makes Lassen Volcanic National Park popular for stargazing?
    • The park’s dark night sky makes it a prime location for stargazing and astronomy.
    • The annual Lassen Dark Sky Festival takes place each August, featuring:
      • Workshops in stargazing
      • Junior Ranger astronomy activities
      • Talks by the International Dark Sky Association, park rangers, and NASA astronomers
  • What is the Volcano Adventure Camp?
    • The Volcano Adventure Camp is a youth camping facility inside the park, offering educational activities for youth organizations.
  • Where is Lassen Volcanic National Park located?

Plan Your Trip