Trip Idea

Explore Lassen Volcanic in Four Hours

Multiple Parks

A black car on a winding mountain road lined by steep slopes with a large volcano.
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Forests and Woodlands, Coniferous Forests, Geology, Geothermal, Hot Springs, Meadows, Lakes, Mountains, Rock Landscapes and Features, Scenic Views, Roads, Routes and Highways, Volcanoes, Trails more »
Activities Scenic Driving, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Hiking
Type Road Trip
Parks Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Drive Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Scenic Driving
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Location: Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway
    • Duration: 60 Minutes
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A black vehicle drives on a mountain road toward a large volcanic peak with large patches of snow.

    The 30-mile park highway connects the northwest (Manzanita Lake) and southwest entrances of the park. This scenic route passes through dense forest, winds around alpine lakes and meadow, crests at 8,512 feet near Lassen Peak Trailhead, and descends steep volcanic slopes into the southwest area. Designated turnouts and parking areas provide opportunities to enjoy the highway highlights.

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  • Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Visit Sulphur Works
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    • Pets: Yes with Restrictions
    • Location: Sulphur Works hydrothermal area
    • Duration: 10 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A road lined by wooden guardrails curves through a hydrothermal area of barren, steaming ground.

    This steamy spot is accessible via a short walk along Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway. Sulphur Works is the easiest to access of the park's seven hydrothermal areas.

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  • Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Walk Devastated Area Interpretive Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Self-Guided Tours - Walking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Devastated Area parking area
    • Duration: 15 Minutes
    • Season: Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A girl and a woman stand next to a boulder and interpretive sign on a walkway.

    Trailside signs on this wheelchair-accessible, 0.2-mile loop provide an introduction to the 1915-1916 Lassen Peak eruption and the resulting Devastated Area.

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  • Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Walk Manzanita Lake Trail
    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Manzanita Lake
    • Duration: 30–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A looks out on a brush-lined lake backed by volcanic peaks.

    Manzanita Lake Trail is an easy, mostly flat walk suitable for families with young children. It is not stroller-friendly. The walk offers scenic views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags volcanoes and birding and wildlife watching opportunities. The trail is popular for sunset viewing.

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Last updated: February 3, 2021