7 Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park Overview

Located a few hours north of Sacramento sits Lassen Volcanic National Park. Not nearly as crowded as Yosemite, this is a great national park for outdoor lovers and hikers to visit without getting bombarded on the trails. There are numerous volcanoes (including Lassen Peak), meadows, lakes, and plenty of wildlife to view and explore. The 7 trails listed below are the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park that you will want to check out.

StateCalifornia
Nearest Metro AreaRedding, CA
Area Size106,452 acres
EstablishedAugust 9, 1916
Hiking Trails150 miles

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Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Peak Trail
Lassen Peak
Lassen Peak, Photo by LassenNPS

Popular trail that travels steeply up to the summit of Lassen Peak, an active volcano. The summit is the highest peak in the park and the surrounding views are incredible. The trail is steep and rocky but still easily one of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park. The trailhead is located in a parking area off of Highway 89.

  • 5.0 miles out and back
  • 2000′ elevation gain
  • Strenuous
Brokeoff Mountain Trail
Panorama, Brokeoff Mountain 2015
Panorama, Brokeoff Mountain, Photo by Ray Bouknight

Another one of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park is another steep trip up a mountain. The trail climbs through open meadows then forest before you get above the treeline up to the summit. This is probably the toughest trail in the park but definitely one you cannot miss. The trailhead begins off of Highway 89 near the southwest entrance of the park.

  • 7.4 miles out and back
  • 2600′ elevation gain
  • Strenuous
Cinder Cone Trail
Cinder Cone
Cinder Cone, Photo by LassenNPS

Beautiful hike that is isolated by Butte Lake away from the rest of the national park. The trail circles the steep cinder cone and hikers can actually go inside the crater for a really neat experience. The trail head is at the Butte Lake parking area in the northeast corner of the park.

  • 4.0 miles out and back
  • 900′ elevation gain
  • Strenuous
Bumpass Hell Trail
Bumpass Hell, Lassen Volcanic NP, CA 9-06
Bumpass Hell, Photo by Don Graham

Boardwalk trail going through the largest hydrothermal area in the park, reminiscent of a trip to Yellowstone. The walk is an easy one making it a favorite among families if you can keep your little ones under control! The trailhead is next to a parking area on Highway 89.

  • 3.0 miles out and back
  • No elevation gain
  • Easy
Mill Creek Falls Trail
Mill Creek Falls Panorama, Lassen Volcanic National Park #hiking
Mill Creek Falls Panorama, Photo by Ray Bouknight

Mill Creek Falls is the highest waterfall (75′) in the park and can be seen after hiking ascending and descending hills. There are several overlooks of the falls with good photo opportunities. The trailhead is next to the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.

  • 3.8 miles out and back
  • 200′ elevation gain
  • Moderate
Kings Creek Falls Trail
Kings Creek Cascade and Wildflowers 2
Kings Creek Cascade and Wildflowers, Photo by Bill Ward

Hike to an overlook of the 30′ falls before climbing up a steep, narrow stone staircase. The trailhead is located in the middle of the park off of Highway 89.

  • 3.0 mile loop
  • 200′ elevation gain
  • Moderate
Manzanita Lake Loop
Mt. Lassen.jpg
Mt. Lassen taken from Manzanita Lake, Photo by David Wood

Simple trail surrounding the tranquil Manzanita Lake that gives visitors picturesque views of the surrounding peaks. This is a great trail for the family or for those wishing to take a stroll in some shade. The trailhead is off Highway 89 next to the Entrance Station.

  • 1.9 mile loop
  • No elevation gain
  • Easy

Featured Image: Morning at Reflection Lake, Photo by Seth Tisue

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