Day Hiking

Regional Map of Park

 

Lassen Volcanic National Park offers over 150 miles of hiking trails for visitors of levels of ability. Discover the devastation of Lassen Peak's last eruption on the accessible trail at the Devastated Area, explore Lassen's largest hydrothermal area on the Bumpass Hell trail, or spend the day climbing Brokeoff Mountain and enjoy its spectacular panoramic views. Please note that winter conditions often persist late into the summer months, and many trails are not snow free until June or July. View current trail conditions below or call [phone] for the most up-to-date information.

Take the Reach Higher Trail Challenge!
Pick up a participation brochure at a visitor station and start hiking to burn calories and earn a free commemorative bandana (while supplies last)!

Day Hike Guide (pdf, 89KB)

 

Trail Notes

Bear-Resistant Storage Required for Backpackers

Overnight backcountry users must use a container certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) to store food and scented items. View more information on the backpacking permit page.

Hydrothermal Area Danger

For your safety, stay on established trails and boardwalks. Ground in hydrothermal areas can look solid but may actually be a thin crust hiding pools of acidic boiling water or mud. Traveling off-trail in these areas may result in severe injury. Read more about exploring the park hydrothermal areas.

 

Trail Conditions

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Please Take Note of Safety Precautions - A deep winter snowpack persists in the higher elevation trails throughout the park. Hiking on snowy trails poses potential increase in risk to your safety. If you wish to hike on snow-covered trails, please take the following safety precautions.

• Use a navigation device such as, a smart phone app with downloaded maps. Or use an In-Reach or Garmin type GPS device and know how to use it.
• Prepare with warm clothing and flashlights in case caught hiking after dark. Plan your time and return before nightfall.
• Cell phone coverage is spotty at best, do not rely on cell reception to call for help.
• To aid in stability on slick, snow-covered ground, traction equipment such as snow shoes or microspikes, and trekking poles is strongly encouraged.

Difficulty ratings: * Easy | ** Moderate | *** Strenuous

Last updated August 10, 2019 - This page will be updated as we recieve information on trail conditions

Trail	Difficulty	Miles (RT)	Condition
PCT (17 miles through the park)		18.3	Mostly dry.
Southwest Area Elevations range from 6,700 feet to 10,457 feet
Bumpass Hell	**	3.0	Trail is closed for a multi-year rehabilitation project. A 5.2-mile round-trip alternative route provides access to the basin and boardwalk.
Brokeoff Mountain	***	7.0	Small snow patches.
Cold Boiling and Crumbaugh Lakes	**	2.6	Small snow patches. Trailhead is the alternative route to the Bumpass Hell basin.
Kings Creek Falls	**	3.0	No snow
Sifford Lakes	**		No snow
Lassen Peak	***	5.0	Mostly snow-free. Walking off the established trail is prohibited. Sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are recommended. Learn more about lightning safety
Mill Creek Falls	**	3.8	No snow
Ridge Lakes	***	2.0	Small patches of snow.
Terrace, Shadow, and Cliff Lakes	**	4.0	Pathcy snow. Microspikes and trekking poles are recommended.
Northwest Area Elevations range from 5,900 feet to 7,200 feet
Summit Lake to Cluster/Twin Lakes Loop	**	11	No snow. Trail passes through the 2012 Reading Fire. Dead standing trees can fall without warning. Use caution.
Crags Lake	**	4.2	No snow
Devastated Area Interpretive Loop	*	0.25	No snow
Echo Lake	**	4.4	No snow
Lily Pond Nature Trail Loop	*	0.5	No snow
Hat Lake to Paradise Meadow	**	2.8	No snow
Manzanita Creek	**	7.0	No snow
Manzanita Lake	*	1.8	No snow
Nobles Emigrant Trail	*	3.5	No snow
Butte Lake Area Elevations range from 6,100 feet to 8,300 feet
Bathtub Lake Loop	**	0.8	No snow
Cinder Cone	**(*)	4.0	No snow Learn more about lightning safety
Prospect Peak	***	6.6	No snow
Butte Lake to Widow Lake		4.5	No snow
Snag Lake Loop		13	No snow
Warner Valley and Juniper Lake Areas Elevations range from 5,600 feet to 8,000 feet
Boiling Springs Lake	**	3.0	No snow
Devils Kitchen	**	4.4	No snow
Drake Lake	**	4	No snow
Dream Lake Basin	*	1	No snow
Terminal Geyser	**	5.8	No snow
Horseshoe Lake	*	2.8	No snow
Inspiration Point	**	1.4	No snow
Mount Harkness	**	3.8	No snow - Learn more about lightning safety.