Lassen Volcanic National Park

Volcanic Wonders, Alpine Lakes, and a Scenic Byway

Steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, crystalline alpine lakes, and forested volcanic peaks make Lassen Volcanic National Park one of California’s most fascinating natural landscapes. Tucked into the southern Cascade Range, the park showcases the powerful forces that continue to shape the earth. It’s also the southern gateway to the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, a spectacular route winding through the volcanic landscapes of Northern California and southern Oregon.

At the heart of the park, Lassen Peak rises over 10,000 feet. Its volcanic summit offers panoramic views across the surrounding mountains. Hikers can explore the otherworldly geothermal landscape of Bumpass Hell, where boardwalks lead past steaming vents and brilliantly colored mineral deposits. Nearby, Lake Helen’s clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, while Summit Lake offers a peaceful setting for swimming, kayaking, and lakeside picnics.

The park’s northern reaches reveal another collection of natural wonders. At Manzanita Lake, visitors can paddle beneath mountain reflections or follow the scenic shoreline trail. For a more adventurous hike, trek to the Cinder Cone and its painted dunes.

Mill Creek

Just 20 minutes from the park’s southwest entrance, Mill Creek is a small town surrounded by pine forests and scenic wilderness. Its quiet setting offers easy access to the park, along with fishing, hiking, and recreation in Lassen National Forest. Nearby Lake Almanor makes an easy summer side trip, with boating and fishing amid expansive blue waters framed by forested peaks. The lake also serves as the southern gateway to the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.