The Best 2 Day Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary

Are you planning a Lassen Volcanic National Park itinerary?

It was one of those moments when we realized, with embarrassment, that we’ve lived in California all these years and had never visited Lassen Volcanic National Park! Immediately, we planned a Lassen Volcanic National Park itinerary for a getaway that proved to be a fabulous and mindblowing National Park visit.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of California’s nine national parks. It covers over 165 square miles in a pristine part of Northern California that is surrounded on the north by the Cascade Mountain Range, on the south by the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, and on the east by Nevada’s Great Basin National Park. It’s dramatically different than the coastal redwood forests of Northern California.

Not only is most of Lassen a designated Wilderness Area, but it’s also one of the few places on earth where you’ll find all four types of volcanoes – a cinder cone volcano, a shield volcano, a plug dome volcano, and a stratovolcano. Another claim to fame is that Lassen Peak is the largest plug dome volcano in the world!

Lassen is hydrothermal! That means it continues to boil, not with lava, but with lots of geothermal activity – hot springs, mud pots, and fumeroles (those cracks in rocks that emit steam). Not to worry, apparently these conditions are late stage volcanic activity. Since the last eruptions in 1916, Lassen was designated a National Park to keep people safe, should there be another lava flow. Scientists are at the ready with emergency plans, should there be an indication of any eruption!

Click Here to See a Map of the best things to do on this Lassen itinerary!

The Best Itinerary for 2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park

This short itinerary will give you a great getaway experience in Lassen, and leave you wanting more! Know that you won’t have time to explore all the fascinating and magnificent areas of the park, but you’ll get a great taste and see some major highlights!

11 Important Notes:

1. This itinerary recommends you drive to Lassen National Park via the Southwest Entrance along State Route (SR) 36/89.
2. The nearest airports are: Sacramento, California 150 miles south, Redding, California 50 miles west, San Francisco, California 250 miles south, Reno, Nevada 150 miles southeast.
3. This trip requires a vehicle. A 4×4 is not necessary.
4. There is some GPS/cell service in the park, but not everywhere, so keep a paper map with you while in the park.
5. Stay on trails or boardwalks!!! The ground might look OK, but could actually be hiding acidic boiling water or mud underneath.
6. Drive on the paved and clearly marked roads. 
7. Be aware of the weather forecast so you’re not caught in a snowstorm at the higher elevations.
8. Have water and snacks with you while on hikes.
9. Don’t forget sunscreen, layers, & hats, 
10. Keep an eye on your gas tank. Gas is not available inside the park but there are gas stations just outside of the park entrances.
11. Leave No Trace and Be Respectful!

Day One of 2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park:
Arrival, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, Sulphur Works, Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

Day 1
Arrival

Check in to your lodging – we really recommend staying at the Village at the Highlands Ranch  or the Highlands Ranch Resort. It’s just outside the park, has a low key, very nice motel as well as some truly luxurious cabins. There’s also space for camping and RVs. One of the absolute best features of the Ranch is the Restaurant & Bar. It’s quite a nice lodge and the menu and food are fabulous! 

Drive to the Southwest Entrance

From Highway 36E in Mill Creek, drive about 10 minutes to the park’s southwest entrance. You’ll see a lot of dramatic and striking beauty. You’ll also notice the destruction in the burn areas from fires in recent years. You may have to wait while workers are moving logging trucks and clearing some of the burned areas. This happened to us several times on the trip. Each wait took about 20 – 45 minutes.

Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center

Follow signs one mile from the Southwest Entrance 
Parking Lot
Closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays.

I love a good NP Visitor Center! Talk to rangers, get some info, see the exhibits, learn about the history of the park, and have something to eat or shop for gifts. I always recommend you ask about any ranger talks or programs that might be scheduled during your visit. Also ask about road and trail closures!

Sulphur Works

Drive one mile north from the Visitor Center
Parking Lot

This is the park’s most easily accessible site for hydrothermal activity. There’s a clear sidewalk leading to a viewing area. You’ll see steam vents and boiling mudpots! Very cool to see something so hot! Warning! DO NOT TOUCH the water or mud! It might burn you and prolonged exposure to sulfuric acid in the water and gas can cause lung and skin damage.

Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway

30 mile road stretching from the Southwest Entrance to the Manzanita Lake Entrance
60 minute drive
Open in Summer and Fall only. Closed November throughout the winter season! Check if it’s open before you go.

I am not suggesting you drive 2 hours RT there and back again – especially if you’ve driven far to get to the park already. I suggest you just drive as far as you like to enjoy some of this scenic route. The road winds around Emerald Lake, Lake Helen, and passes the famous Lassen Peak of 10450 feet. You can stop at designated parking areas for a closer look and for photos.

Devastated Area Interpretive Trail

18 miles from Southwest Entrance
Parking Lot

This is a 15 minute, 0.2 mile loop walk that guides you through  some of what happened to the wilderness during the 1915 eruption, thus creating a “devastated area.”

Back to the Ranch

Time for dinner and bed. I recommend you make dinner reservations at the restaurant in advance.

Day Two of 2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park:
Bumpass Hell Trail, Kings Creek Falls Trail, Lassen Peak View, Lake Helen, Emerald Lake

Day 2

Breakfast at the Highlands Ranch Resort Restaurant

Bumpass Hell Trail

7 miles from Southwest Entrance
Parking Lot & Restrooms
Easy to Moderate 3 mile RT trail
Open in Summer and Fall only. Closed November throughout the winter season! Check if it’s open before you go.

Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area of the park. This is a MUST-do hike! It climbs for the first mile and then descends 200 feet into a basin of geothermal activity! As you’re on the initial part of the hike and you get glimpses of what’s below you, it’s very intriguing and otherworldly! You’ll walk down into a milky blue and steaming pool and see spurts of gases erupting and bubbling crusts. Stay on the boardwalks and don’t touch the water!

Kings Creek Falls Trail

12 miles from Southwest Entrance
No parking lot but you can park along the road. Pay attention while driving, there is no clear signage leading you to the trailhead.
Moderate 2.8 mile RT trail
Open in Summer and Fall only. Closed November throughout the winter season! Check if it’s open before you go.

Kings Creek Falls Trail is on my MUST-do list. This is a popular trail during the  peak season, but since we were there on a weekday in October, we literally saw no one else on the trail! If you love waterfalls, this hike is for you! You’ll see the falls as you hike in and descend all the way to an overlook platform. Be cautious along the narrow and steep stone step section. The rocks can be slippery. There is actually a clockwise loop trail so that people climbing down don’t have to pass people climbing up. The waterfalls are really spectacular and inspirational.

Stop at Lassen Peak Trail

Parking Lot
Strenuous 5 Mile RT trail

You won’t have time to hike this 5 mile, strenuous hike up to one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world, but you can catch a glimpse of it and plan on it next time. If you have time, hike to the 10457 foot peak or climb down into the crater of the volcano.

Stop at Lake Helen

Parking Lot and Restrooms

This stunning alpine lake is just down the road from the Lassen Peak Trailhead. It is 100 feet deep and has surrounding views of the volcanoes. The snow capped peaks and the trees reflect on the lake, making it really worth the stop. If the parking by the picnic area is full you can park on the pullouts along the highway.

Stop at Emerald Lake

No Parking Lot

Another gorgeous alpine lake along the Lassen Highway. This lake gets its name because of the vegetation that grows in it makes it bright green in color. You’ll get great views of Lassen Peak, so make the quick stop for a photo.

Back to the Ranch

Time for dinner and bed. I recommend you have reservations at the restaurant in advance. Pack up to leave in the morning. Have a relaxing breakfast at the Ranch before you go, and think about the next time you can visit!

Where to stay at Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular camping and RV recreation park. Check the park website for all those options. The park also offers summer camping cabins at Manzanita Lake and has lodging at Drakesbad Guest Ranch. These options are usually booked up a year in advance, so if you’re planning for next summer then make reservations now!

As I mentioned, I highly recommend the Village at Highlands Ranch. It was very affordable, and is across the road from the Restaurant and Resort.

Best Time To Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park

This is actually critical to your planning! Lassen has a a short summer season and a long winter season. Winter means that much of the park is closed due to snow, ice, and dangerous conditions. So be sure to check the park website for updates on closures.

Lassen Southwest Temps	Average High (°F)	Average Low (°F)
January	48	15
February	50	15
March	54	20
April	62	24
May	71	29
June	80	34
July	86	39
August	85	38
September	81	33
October	71	29
November	57	20
December	48	15

Summer Season at Lassen is typically June – October – We visited mid October and it was gorgeous. Chilly, brisk, and we even had light snow on the trail one day.

Winter Season at Lassen is typically November – May

While there are winter activities allowed in some of the snow filled areas, you’ll need to have your own equipment to venture into the park beyond the main entrances. Snow literally covers the Lassen National Park Highway so it is closed to vehicles but open for skiing and snowshoeing. Some of the trail areas are open for “oversnow” routes. You can play in the snow, build snowmen, and have snowball fights! 

Sometimes in the Spring, before the roads are open, but after the snow has mostly melted, you can ride your bike on the Highway, which apparently is really fun!

What To Pack for Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Layers! Including jackets, breathable clothing
• Hiking shoes & hiking socks
• Comfortable hiking pants
• Resort wear for dinners
• Bathing suit for summer
• Warm hat, gloves for fall/winter
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Water bottle 
• Camera 
• National Park Pass or entrance fee

Is Lassen Volcanic National Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Lassen is so unique to volcanic sites around the world with its 4 types of volcanos and awe inspiring geothermal hot spots. Also, since this is a quick trip, you might want to start planning for the next one. Here are some additional sites in the park, that make it worth returning!

Cinder Cone Trail & Fantastic Lava Beds

The Cinder Cone Volcano Trail  in the northeast corner of the park takes you through the Fantastic Lava Beds which are the jagged remains of ancient lava flows. At the top of the cone, you’ll find 360 degree views of the park. This is another of Lassen’s otherworldly spots!

Juniper Lake

This alpine lake is in the southeast corner of the park and is great for a summer trip if you’re looking for rustic camping, swimming, and hiking near Mount Harkness.

Lassen Peak Trail

Maybe my only regret of the trip is that we weren’t able to hike the Lassen Peak trail. It was already snowing in the park and this hike requires a good 5 hours at least, even though its only 5 miles. Apparently it is difficult and steep. But also very worth it!

Manzanita Lake & Chaos Crags

Manzanita Lake is at the northwest corner entrance of the park and is a huge vacation spot in the summer. It’s popular for swimming, and kayaking, and has a large campground. There is also the Loomis Museum Visitor Center, a Lily Pond Traill and the famous Chaos Crags. These are the jagged lava domes created by ancient volcanic eruptions.

Summit Lake Trail

The Summit Lake area is along the Lassen Highway. The trail is along the beautiful alpine lake, and is surrounded by thick forest. This area is popular for swimming, hiking, and camping.

Warner Valley & Devils Kitchen & Boiling Springs Lake

The Warner Valley area is another of the park’s major geothermal regions. These trails might be less crowded than Bumpass Hell and are moderate to easy hikes to see the bubbling and hot mud and steam vents.

Are you ready to plan your Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary?

Our trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park was nothing short of a wonderful surprise! It’s one of California’s most underrated National Parks. With its surreal landscapes, steaming geothermal wonders, alpine lakes, and volcanoes of every kind, it’s a destination that excited us at every turn.

Even in just a short visit, you’ll experience some of the park’s most iconic highlights—and probably find yourself already planning your return. Whether you’re hiking through bubbling basins, wandering quiet forest trails, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air, Lassen offers the kind of beauty and peace that stays with you long after you leave.

xx,
Carrie