2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary

Last Updated on February 28, 2024 by Ale

Tucked away in the middle of northern California you’ll find Lassen Volcanic National Park: a land of geothermal features, pristine lakes, and beautiful wildflowers.

I’ve had this park on my list for the longest time and when I finally visited I was completely blown away! Ready to go yourself? Below I’m sharing my ready-to-use, 2 days in Lassen Volcanic National Park itinerary!

Read on to see the best things to do at Lassen, even if you only have a limited amount of time. Plus you’ll get tips on where to stay in and near Lassen, how to plan a short trip from San Francisco to Lassen, and some of the best hikes (even for beginners).

Ready? 

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Basic Information

• Location: About 50 miles east of Redding, California 
• Entrance Fee: $30 / vehicle between 4/16 – 11/30. $10 / vehicle between 12/01 – 4/15. 

Visiting multiple parks in a year? Get a National Parks’ Pass! It’s an affordable way to visit multiple national parks and lands for one fee. Highly recommend.

How to Get to Lassen Volcanic National Park 

The hardest part about visiting Lassen is getting here. The park is not conveniently located, and requires a fairly long drive from most major airports and cities. 

A lot of people make a weekend trip from San Francisco to Lassen Volcanic National Park. If you’re coming from the Bay Area, the drive takes approximately four (4) hours without traffic. 

To avoid the worst traffic, take a half day from work on Friday when visiting Lassen on a weekend.

Take I-5 north until you reach Hwy 36 or Hwy 44 (depending on which entrance you’re using). Follow the signs and download your maps ahead of time. 

If you’re flying in…

You have some options. See driving times from the closest airports below. 

• Redding, California (RDD): approximately one (1) hour;
• Sacramento, California (SMF): approximately three (3) hours; 
• Reno, Nevada (RNO): approximately three (3) hours;
• San Francisco (SFO): approximately four (4) hours 
• Oakland (OAK): approximately four (4) hours 

Where to Stay Near Lassen Volcanic National Park 

There’s no lodging in Lassen, with the exception of the Drakesbad Guest Ranch and the Manzanita Lake Cabins. Both of those options often sell out months in advance, so your best bet is going to be staying in Redding. 

Redding Lodging Options 

• Sheraton Hotel: probably the nicest hotel in town. Looks brand spanking new with great service that you’d expect from a Sheraton property.  Great for couples looking to get away for a weekend. 
• Comfort Suites: basic, but free breakfast and relatively affordable for the area. Good for budget travelers. 
• Large Vacation Home with Pool: huge property, pool, and amenities. Perfect for large groups and families. 

Camping in Lassen

If you’d like to camp, the best campgrounds for this trip itinerary are going to be the Manzanita Lake campground, Summit Lake North / South campground, and the Southwest campground. 

Additional camping in the park can be found at Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley.

However, I don’t recommend those campgrounds for your first trip to Lassen if you want to see the main highlights in this Lassen itinerary; it’ll be too much driving. 

For camping information, check out the NPS website. 

Quick 2 Days in Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary 

In a rush? Here’s a quick list of things to do at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Screenshot it or save it for later! 

IMPORTANT: this itinerary is structured so that you’re spending two full days in Lassen. This means that your travel days don’t count as one of your days! 

If you’re coming to Lassen Volcanic National Park from San Francisco, you may want to leave the Bay Area Friday, spend the night in Redding or Anderson and start exploring Lassen on Saturday (Day 1). 

You can cut the itinerary short and leave Sunday (Day 2) and spend only one day in Lassen National Park, or have the two full days and leave Monday morning (Day 3). 

Day One (1) Summary:

• Hike Bumpass Hell and Explore the Hydrothermal Features 
• Check Out Sulphur Works 
• Hike Mill Creek Falls (or save for Day 2)
• Drive the Scenic Lassen National Park Highway 
• Stay Late and Stargaze 

Day Two (2) Summary:

• Hike the Cinder Cone Volcano 
• Explore Manzanita Lake 
• Take the Lily Pond Trail 
• Enjoy the Solitude at Reflection Lake

Day 1: Lassen Volcanic National Park Things To Do

Explore Bumpass Hell

• Length: 3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: moderate 

One of the coolest, and most popular hiking trails at Lassen is Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in Lassen. 

Trust me, this is a hike absolutely worth doing – you’ll see (and smell!) boiling springs, mud pots, and really pretty colors. It’s like a mini Yellowstone! 

The hike starts from Bumpass Hell parking lot, about 7 miles from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, or 22 miles from the Manzanita Lake campground. 

The main attraction of this hike comes at the end once you reach the wooden boardwalk where you’ll be able to see the colorful springs and hydrothermal features.

Is it really pronounced Bump-ass? Nope! It’s actually pronounced Bum-pass (like compass!) This still didn’t stop us from giggling every time we said the name though…

Know Before You Go

• There’s almost no shade on this trail. You need a hiking hat, a large reusable water bottle or two, and sunscreen.

• The trail often doesn’t open until the end of June (or later!) depending on snowfall. Know that snow can often remain on the trail until August, especially in shady areas. 

• The parking lot can fill by mid-morning, especially on weekends. It was fairly empty when we visited, but that’s probably because the trail had just opened a few days before. 

• Do NOT go off trail – this area is very dangerous. People have gotten seriously hurt when they ignore the signs and go off trail, just don’t do it. 

Sulphur Works 

• Difficulty: easy 

Sulphur Works is the next stop on this Lassen itinerary and one of the easiest ways to see more cool hydrothermal features in the park. 

At Sulphur Works you’ll see a bubbling mud pot, smell the hydrothermal features, and see steam rising dramatically straight out of the ground! 

The best part? There’s no hiking required, you’ll see the steam coming straight from the ground right from your car and you can see everything right from the sidewalk.

To get here, drive about 5 miles (roughly 15 minutes) south from the Bumpass Hell parking lot and pull into the parking lot on your right. Do note that parking is limited and the lot often fills on weekends. 

Optional hike from the Sulphur Works parking lot:

• The Ridge Lakes Trail is a 2 mile round trip hike that gains roughly 1,000 feet in elevation but rewards you with not one, but TWO pretty mountain lakes. 

Hiking to Mill Creek Falls 

• Length: 3.8 miles round trip
• Difficulty: moderately strenuous 

Imagine hiking through a hillside covered with yellow wildflowers and then through the forest until you reach a waterfall with a 75 feet drop: that’s the Mill Creek Falls trail! 

This is hands down one of the best hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It’s challenging, but you’re rewarded with a really pretty landscape most of the way. 

The trail starts at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, near the amphitheater.

You’ll descend until you hit a bridge over a stream , then climb up the hillside where *hopefully* you’ll be surrounded by yellow, blooming mule ear flowers. 

Eventually, you’ll reach a viewing area where you can photograph the waterfall. If you continue along the trail past this viewpoint you’ll find stream access where you can dip your feet in the cold water.  

Know Before You Go

• There’s very little shade on parts of this trail. You need a hiking hat, a large reusable water bottle or two, and sunscreen.

• The mule ears are usually in full bloom by July. For a guide to Lassen’s wildflowers, check out this NPS resource. 

• You are continuously losing and gaining elevation on this trail. Take your time and take plenty of breaks as needed, especially if hiking in the middle of the day. 

Optional Replacement / Addition: The King Creek Falls trail is a 3 mile round trip, moderate hike. This trail will take you to another waterfall in Lassen. But, it’s more popular than Mill Creek and the waterfall doesn’t have as steep of a drop (30 feet). 

Drive the Scenic Lassen National Park Highway 

After you’ve hiked Mill Creek Falls it’s time to hit the road and do a stunning, 30 mile drive through Lassen! The drive takes about an hour without stops, plus there’s an audio guide you can download ahead of time. 

You’ll be starting the drive from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Head north and back towards Sulphur Works. 

IMPORTANT: While you can do this drive in reverse (from Manzanita to Kohm Yah-mah-nee) it’s not easy to turn into some of the viewpoints if you’re doing the drive in this direction. 

If you skipped Sulphur Works earlier, stop here first. Otherwise, continue on. You’ll pass by a couple of pullout spots – stop and admire the view, but the next main stop we’re looking for is Emerald Lake. 

Why Emerald Lake?

This is a beautiful spot with water that has taken on a deep emerald color, reflecting the rich green foliage that surrounds the lake. This is a great stop to stretch your legs and take some photos.

Lake Helen

If you hiked Bumpass Hell already, you may have caught a glimpse of Lake Helen. This pristine, deep blue mountain lake sits at the base of Lassen Peak, offering a mirror-like reflection of the peak.

Lake Helen took our breath away, it really is that pretty. 

Swimming is allowed in the lake, but note that the water is freezing cold. Due to its high elevation, snow can remain along the lake into the summer. 

TIP: there’s a couple of picnic tables where you can hang out with views of Lake Helen. You can also walk down towards the lake itself and enjoy time by the lake. 

Kings Creek Meadow Pullout 

The Kings Creek Meadow is so pretty! You’ll definitely want to stop here and take a thousand photos. The meadow actually reminded me of Yosemite in all the best ways, and is one of my favorite Lassen volcanic National Park things to do. 

Stop here and see Kings Creek, look for deer in the early morning / early evening and be wowed by the beauty surrounding you. 

Devastated Area 

The Devastated Area trail is a 0.2 mile loop interpretive walk that will teach you about the formation and shaping of the area as a result of Lassen Peak’s eruption in 1915-16. 

I recommend stopping here to really appreciate the geological history of the park. How crazy is it that the landscape has changed and formed over the last 100 years alone?

End of the Drive / Stargazing 

The scenic drive through Lassen ends once you reach the Manzanita Lake area. I’ve included more information on Manzanita Lake on Day 2 of this Lassen itinerary, but you can add it to the end of your first day in Lassen if you have enough time. 

If you’re staying in the park, or are able to stay until dark, I strongly recommend you block out some time to do some stargazing. 

The skies at Lassen are super dark and devoid of most light pollution giving you a stunning view of the milky way. 

Tips for Stargazing in Lassen

• Make sure you bring a red-light flashlight to not mess up your night vision;
• Plan to stay out for at least 30 minutes to give your eyes time to adjust;
• Dress in warm clothes (like this fluffy sweater!) The nights at Lassen can get cold;
• Plan in advance! Stargazing is best when there’s a new moon or very little moonlight in general. 

Where to Stargaze

• Lake Helen Lakeshore 
• Manzanita Lake 
• Emerald Lake 
• Open parking lots away from buildings
• Kings Creek Meadow pullout 

Day 2: What to do at Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Hike the Cinder Cone Volcano 

• Length: 4 miles round trip
• Difficulty: strenuous 

If you’re looking for a challenging (and rewarding) hike at Lassen Volcanic National Park, you need to visit the Cinder Cone. 

This challenging trail will have you hiking up soft sand-like cinders through the volcano, and gains almost 700 feet in elevation in a single half mile section. 

From the trail you’ll be able to see the Fantastic Lava Beds, a series of colorful rolling hills created by flowing lava from the eruption of the Cinder Cone Volcano hundreds of years ago.  

The trail is located in the Buttes Lake area of the park – about an hour east of the northwest entrance and Manzanita Lake (and it requires you drive on an unpaved road!)

While this hike was high on our list, we had to miss it because we started our day a tad bit too late. That brings me to the most important thing you should know when hiking this trail:

START EARLY. The soil here is pitch black so it traps heat. As the day goes on, it’ll get hotter and hotter making for a potentially dangerous hiking experience. 

Know Before You Go

• There’s very little shade on parts of this trail. You need a hiking hat, a large reusable water bottle or two, and sunscreen. Trekking Poles are also a good idea to help you with the shifty, sandy soil. 

Hike, Kayak & Relax at Manzanita Lake 

The Manzanita Lake area of Lassen is one of the crown jewels of the park. Why? Manzanita Lake, a picturesque lake with lovely views where you can swim, kayak, hike, picnic and hang out. 

• Hike the Manzanita Lake Loop Trail, a 1.7-mile easy round trip hike that follows the perimeter of Manzanita Lake. Get stunning views of Lassen Peak, great for photography. 
• Rent kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards and enjoy an hour or two on the water. Spot ducks and geese, as well as 360 views. 
• Relax and have a picnic. There’s picnic tables near the boat launch area, as well as plenty of spots where you can lay out a blanket and take in the views. 
• Explore the Loomis Museum, housing Benjamin Loomis’ photographs of Lassen – including his famous photos of the 1915-16 eruption. 

TIP: treat yourself to ice cream from the Manzanita Lake camper store. Plus, if you feel grimy from a day of exploring there’s pay showers here as well. 

To get here: enter Lassen through the Northwest entrance. If you’re coming from the Southwest Entrance, drive the Lassen Volcanic Scenic Highway through the park until you reach signs for Manzanita Lake (about an hour drive)

Take the Lily Pond Trail 

After a day of hiking and hanging out by the lake, end your day with a pretty easy sunset walk through the forest to a small lily pond. 

Starting at the Lily Pond trailhead (across the street from the Loomis Museum), pick up a guided nature walk brochure and do this 0.5-mile round trip hike through the woods. 

The park asks for a $0.50 donation for the brochure, or you can return it when you’re done. You’ll learn a lot about the biodiversity of the park if you use the brochure to guide your walk – I highly recommend it. 

Enjoy the Solitude at Reflection Lake

If you hiked the Lily Pond trail you’ve already seen Reflection Lake – a quiet, small lake with plenty of ducks and geese to keep you company. 

The lake isn’t great for swimming, but because most people spend their time at nearby Manzanita Lake instead, Reflection is a great place to have a minute of peace away from the crowds. 

There’s an optional 0.6-mile round trip hike around the lake shore that’s really easy, but honestly, just lay out a blanket at the lakeshore and enjoy the quiet views. 

If You Have More Time At Lassen Volcanic National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park is deceivingly large and you can easily spend more than two days here. If you have more time, below are some suggestions on other things to see in Lassen. 

With three (3) days in Lassen…

Add the Warner Valley area to your itinerary.

Located about an hour and a half east of the southwest entrance, at Warner you’ll find more hydrothermal features. Notable must-do’s here include:

• Boiling Springs Lake, a 125°F lake with a 3-mile round trip hike.You’ll see mudpots, meadows, forest and of course, the famous lake itself. 
• Devils’ Kitchen is another hydrothermal area, and the second largest in the park. If the Bumpass Hell trail is closed when you visit, come here. The hike is 4.4-miles round trip and rated moderate. 
• Go horseback riding at the Drakesbad Guest Ranch. This historic property offers up lodging and horse rides. You need to book in advance – these are both popular things to do in Lassen! 

Can’t get a room at the Drakesbad Ranch? Check out this lakefront, charming log cabin in nearby Lake Almanor for a similar, secluded vibe. 

With four (4) days in Lassen National Park…

Spend a full day in the Butte Lake Area and a full day in Manzanita Lake Area, in addition to the above. Or, hike to the top of Lassen Peak (5-miles round trip, but very challenging)

• Camp at the secluded Butte Lake campground and spend your day relaxing by the lake;
• Hike the 6.6-mile round trip trail to Prospect Peak in the Butte Lake area and get spectacular views of Lassen peak. 
• In the Manzanita Lake area, hike 4.4-miles roundtrip to Echo Lake, camp at the Summit Lake campgrounds, and have a picnic at Summit Lake North or South. 

With five (5) or more days, start exploring beyond Lassen. 

• Burney Falls is a beautiful waterfall, and a local favorite – makes for a perfect day trip. 
• Check out the Lake Shasta Caverns and take a boat across the lake. 

What to Pack for Lassen Volcanic National Park

• Hiking hat: there’s no shade on a lot of the trails at Lassen, so create your own. This is my (affordable) go-to hiking hat. 

• Reusable water bottle: High elevation, hiking and sun equals a bad time without enough water, so bring plenty. This is my go to water bottle, but this one is also a good option, and will keep your water icy cold on hot summer days. 

• Hiking boots: have saved my feet more times than I can count on the trail. A good pair of hiking boots is a must. 

• Hiking socks: similarly to hiking boots, hiking socks will help prevent blisters, and keep your feet dry. These socks are worth every penny and have gotten me through some intense hikes without blisters. 

• Sunscreen: the sun always feels more intense at higher elevation, and will get you if you’re not prepared, so pack, apply, and reapply plenty of sunscreen. I love this brand, it smells like coconuts and is pretty lightweight. 

• Hand sanitizer: in case the bathrooms are out of soap, and good to have in general. I like small versions I can easily carry in my pack. 

• First Aid Kit: because you never know what could go wrong. This one is a good option. 

Tips for Visiting Lassen and FAQs

• Lassen Volcanic National Park is at high altitude – hiking here will be made more difficult by that fact so take your time! 
• Expect almost no cell service in the park, so download or print your offline maps ahead of time. There is wi-fi at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center but it’s slow and unreliable. 
• There’s no gas stations anywhere in the park except at the Manzanita Lake Camper Services store. Even then, it’s not open 24/7. Come to the park with a full tank of gas. 
• Never go off trail, especially when exploring the hydrothermal areas of the park. You can get badly hurt and help is far away, take it seriously. 
• Always check trail conditions before your trip – trail openings are usually dependent on snow. 
• Pack snacks, or a picnic – there’s almost no food options at Lassen. 

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