Volcanic Activity

Hike Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

07.23.2025

Northern California is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the country: Lassen Volcanic National Park. The region features geothermal areas, including the largest dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Hike to the top of this active volcano on a 5-mile out-and-back.

From the main parking lot, head north on the Lassen Peak Trail. Hikers begin their journey at an elevation of 8,500 feet, gaining another two-thousand feet to reach the summit. While the route ahead is steep, continuous switchbacks provide some relief, and hikers of all ages can be spotted trekking the route. 

The lower trail is currently (July 2025) dotted with long patches of snow, and early-season climbers may want to have microspikes handy. Or wait until later in the summer for more melt.  Informational placards can be found along the trail, teaching visitors about local flora and fauna, and how Lassen Peak was formed 27,000 years ago.

Just above 9,000 feet, the switchbacks grow steeper, and some rocky sections have stairs to ease the climb. Stop to catch your breath and enjoy the fantastic view to the south: Mount Helen rising over its cerulean namesake lake, while Eagle Peak is visible to the west. 

At 10,000 feet, lucky hikers will catch sight of the California Tortoiseshell migration. These orange butterflies travel between the foothills and upper elevations of the Cascades and Sierras. During the summer months, Lassen visitors can hike alongside thousands of butterflies as they approach the summit.

As the steep switchbacks finally level out, hikers will catch a glimpse of the final obstacle: the rocky, castle-like summit. Watch your footing on the loose scree as you ascend to the large boulders at the very top. From the vantage of 10,457 feet, soak up those summit views—from snow-capped Mount Shasta to the north to the many volcanic peaks to the south—offshoots of the ancient Mount Tehama volcano that formed this region.

Retrace the route back to the parking lot.

The Lassen Peak Trailhead can be found on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Mill Creek, CA. Map. The entry booth is not always staffed, so day passes ($10-$30) can be purchased online at nps.gov/lavo. No dogs or bikes on the Lassen Peak Trail.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

 

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