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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Lassen Volcanic National Park |
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PO Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063-0100
Phone: 530-595-4444
Fax: 530-595-3262
Open All Year
Overview.0 Lassen Peak began erupting in 1914. In May of 1915, the mountain exploded, sending a plume of steam and ash 30,000 feet into the air and gouging a three-mile-long swath out of the surrounding forest. Lesser eruptions continued until 1921, but volcanic activity continues in the vicinity of the mountain. In 1916, the area was designated as a national park and has served as a living volcanic laboratory ever since.
Four tribes, the Yana, Yahi, Maidu, and Atsugewi, all basketweavers, met to hunt in the area near Lassen during the summer months. Peter Lassen guided overland travelers bound for the golden west along a major trail near the park. The park and mountain now bear his name.
What to see and do. You can see examples of almost every volcanic feature here at Lassen, including cinder cones, sulfur vents, lava flows and pinnacles, hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots. Stop by park headquarters in Mineral or one of the two visitor contact stations inside the park to acquaint yourself with its volcanic features and check out the daily activity schedule in the summer. Pick up a guide for the main park road. Along the way, take time to stop and wander amid the thermal features of Bumpass Hell, or view the Devastated Area from one of the many turnouts.
There are more than 150 miles of hiking trails winding through Lassen's volcanic landscape. Some are lengthy and strenuous, others are relatively short and easy. You can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak or climb up Cinder Cone. Trails lead to various thermal areas such as Devils Kitchen and Boiling Springs Lake. A free backcountry permit is required for all overnight hikes. Pack animals are allowed in the park as long as they use designated corrals, which must be reserved in advance. Contact the park for more information. There are eight campgrounds in the park that offer varying amenities; some of them accept reservations with one week's notice (877-444-6777), while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Although the Lassen Park Road is closed during the winter, visitors can still enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking in the park. Contact park headquarters for more details on winter activities.
| Activities and Services |
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Bird Watching |
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Boat Launching |
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Cross-country Skiing |
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Downhill Skiing |
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Fishing |
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Food Service |
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Geological Sites |
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Gift Shop |
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Guided Tours |
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Hiking/Nature Trails |
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Historic Sites |
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Horse Trails |
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Museum/Exhibits |
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Non-motor Boating |
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Picnic Sites |
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Programs/Talks |
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Self-guided Tours |
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Snowboarding |
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Swimming |
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Visitor Center |
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Wildflower Viewing |
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Wildlife Viewing |
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