Hiking In
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen VNP, CA
HIKING
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hiking Trails
With over 106,372 acres, you can find a wealth of fun activities that are as varied as the seasons of the park. For the hiker, over 150 miles of hiking trails are located within the park which range in difficulty from a strenuous 5 mile round-trip hike up Lassen Peak to a gentle 1.85 mile stroll around Manzanita Lake.
Scroll down the page or click here for Lassen Volcanic Park trail information.
For Lassen National Forest trails, click here.
Featured Lassen Resort
Best Western Rose Quartz Inn ─ Click for reviews and book online
306 Main St., Chester, CA
Nestled among the Sierra Nevada Mountain range in northern California, lies the Best Western Rose Quartz Inn. This Chester hotel is located next to Lake Almanor offering a variety of water activities such as boating, water skiing and fishing.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hiking & Backpacking Trails
Brokeoff Mountain – First part of the trail follows a stream as it climbs steadily 2,600 ft/790 m to the 9,235-ft summit. Out and back hike totals 7.5 miles/12 km. Trailhead: turnout 0.25 mile south of SW entrance.
Boiling Springs Lake Trailhead – parking area west of Warner Valley Campground. Round trip distance: 3 miles and takes about 2 hours. Terrain: The hike is an easy 200 foot climb. During the hike, you'll past mudpots, wildflowers, and forests to the lake and back.
Brokeoff Mountain Trailhead – Turnout 0.25 mile south of South West entrance. Round trip distance: 7.4 miles and takes approximately 5 hours. Terrain: The hike is a steady uphill climb of 2,600 feet. The first part of trail follows a stream and you'll come across some views and wildflowers.
Bumpass Hell Trail Trailhead – Parking area 6 miles from SW entrance (Road Marker 17) Round trip distance: 3 miles and takes about 3 hours Terrain: The trail gradually climbs about 500 feet for the first mile, then descends into the Park's largest thermal area. You'll come across hot springs, steam vents, and mudpots during your hike.
Cinder Cone Trailhead – West end of Butte Lake Campground Round trip distance: Sturdy boots are a must for this 4 mile to 5 mile round trip Terrain: It's a fairly steep 800 foot climb to the cone summit. Allow 3 hours for the climb through loose cinders with an extra hour to explore the trail down the south slope. You'll have some great photo opportunities along the scenic trail.
Devil's Kitchen Trail – Experience Lassen's second largest hydrothermal via a lovely hike through Warner Valley meadows and forest. Along with a number of other hikes, the trail begins at the Warner Valley trailhead. The first 0.4 mile passes through a meadow over small footbridges and boardwalks before crossing Hot Springs Creek.
King Creek Falls Trailhead – Turnout 12 miles from the SW entrance (Road Marker 32) Round trip distance: 3 miles and takes about 2.5 hours. Terrain: The trail's 700 foot descent takes you past cascading waterfalls and wildflowers. A photographers dream!
Lassen Peak Trail Trailhead – Parking area 7 miles from the SW entrance (Road Marker 22) Round trip distance: 5 miles and takes about 4.5 hours. Terrain: The trail starts at 8,500 feet. With a 2,000 foot climb and an uphill grade of about 15%, it's a difficult hike but worth it for the views of recent volcanic activity, craters, and panoramic vistas at the top. (Make sure you take plenty of water, wear sturdy boots, and use appropriate safety techniques when lightning is present).
Lily Pond Nature Trail Trailhead – Loomis Museum Parking Area Round trip distance: 1 mile and takes about 1 hour. Terrain: It's an easy walk that takes you through forests and around beautiful mountain lakes.
Manzanita Lake Trailhead – Several spots around the lake. Round trip distance: 1.6 miles and takes about 1.5 hours. Terrain: The level trail goes around the lakeshore where you'll see wildlife, flowers, trees, and shrubs.
Mill Creek Falls Trailhead – Southwest campground Round trip distance: the trail is about 4.6 miles and takes approximately 2.5 hours. Terrain: The hike is a 300 foot uphill or downhill journey through wildflowers and forests to the highest waterfall in the park.
Mt. Harkness Trailhead – Southeast end of Juniper Lake Campground Round trip distance: 4 miles and take about 4 hours. Terrain: The scenic trail has an enjoyable 1,300 foot climb to a historic fire lookout.
Summit Lake to Echo & Twin Lakes Trailhead – East side of Summit Lake. Round trip distance: The total trip can cover 8 miles and take about 6 hours to complete (Echo Lake is 4 miles, Upper Twin Lake is 7 miles, and Lower Twin Lake is 8 miles). Terrain: The trail has a 500 ft climb for the first mile and then descends 500 ft to Lower Twin Lake. It's a good spot for overnighters and summer swimming.
Terrace, Shadow & Cliff Lakes Trailhead – Turnout 9 miles from the SW entrance (Road Marker 27) Round trip distance: 3 miles total round trip and takes about 3 hours. Terrain: The trail descends 300 feet to Terrace Lake, 350 feet to Shadow Lake, and 650 feet to Cliff Lake. Keep in mind that it's all uphill on the return trip!
See also our Parks and Forest page
A good resource for Lassen hiking, backpacking, walking and day hikes.
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