All four types of volcano found on Earth exist within this one park, alongside boiling mud pots, steam vents, and alpine lakes.

Park Pass

Join the National Parks Club

A single day covers the main scenic drive and geothermal areas, while 2 to 3 lets you add hiking to the alpine lakes.

No special permit is required to enter.

Mineral and Chester are the closest small towns near the park.

The entrance fee is $30/vehicle (7-day), or purchase a National Parks Yearly Pass.

Why Visit?:

Lassen Volcanic is a genuinely rare geological showcase — all four types of volcano found on Earth exist within this single park, alongside boiling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and quiet alpine lakes. It's a much quieter alternative to California's more famous parks, despite scenery that rivals Yellowstone's geothermal features on a smaller scale.

Because the park sits at high elevation and gets heavy snowfall, its main road often isn't fully open until well into summer — worth checking current conditions before planning a visit.

Things to Do:

Driving the park road with a stop at Bumpass Hell — a boardwalk trail through boiling mud pots and steam vents — is the essential Lassen experience. Lassen Peak itself is a strenuous but rewarding hike to the summit of an actual active volcano, one of the more unique peak-bagging opportunities in the park system.

For a quieter pace, the alpine lakes scattered through the park, like Manzanita Lake, offer easy walking trails and good picnic spots with mountain reflections.

Get the Full Itinerary

Closest airports: Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) is closest, about 1.5 hours away, with limited but real commercial service.

Nearby Attractions:

Crater Lake National Park is about 3.5 hours north and pairs well on a broader Pacific volcano-focused road trip through Oregon and Northern California.