Bumpass Hell Hike and Chester___02

Hot As (Bumpass) Hell

Hike to Bumpass Hell in Lassen Volcanic National Park

So you like going to all the hot spots when you visit places? Well, in Lassen Volcanic National Park there’s a place so hot it gets downright steamy. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. It’s California’s Yellowstone. It’s also open only in summer and fall, and you’ve got to go early in the morning to get parking. Hike the 3-mile (round-trip) trail from the main parking area on the south side of the park.

The wide dirt trail winds by spectacular scenery of Lassen Peak to the north, and southern views of Mount Conrad, Diamond Peak, Mount Diller, and Pilot Pinnacle.

Just before you begin the descent to the thermal wonders of Bumpass, there’s a bench with a bird’s–eye vantage of the geothermal features, steaming out of azure blue springs in parts. When you reach the boardwalk and viewing platform, the strong scent of sulfur permeates the air amid this harsh yet intriguing environment akin to Mars. NASA researchers study extreme lifeforms from this area.

Plaques along the hiking route provide plenty of information on the history—and dangers—of this area … we can’t emphasize enough that you don’t want to do anything dumb here; the ground can look stable but it’s actually just a thin layer easily broken to reveal acidic boiling water. The highest temperature recorded in the Big Boiler thermal is 332 F.

Wander the beautiful boardwalk, witnessing the wonder of this volcanic phenomenon, then return the way you came. Yep, it’s a hoof back up, but worth it. This hot spot is just so cool (pun of course intended).

STAY & EAT: Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Almanor, the town of Chester makes a great basecamp for nearby outdoor adventures in and around Lake Almanor, including a visit to nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park (about 25 minutes away).

While in Chester, be sure to check out Olsen Barn on the eastern edge of town. A favorite historic site of painters, photographers, and locals in general, the barn is home to owls, and the surrounding area is well known for birding.

For dinner, Timber House Restaurant and Bar is adjacent to its excellent brewery. The menu’s got everything, from pillow-soft pretzel bites and roasted brussels sprouts with parmesan and balsamic glaze, to fish & chips, steaks, salads, and an apple whiskey pulled-pork sandwich. Wash it all down with a tropical IPA, or a lemon blonde ale, or heavy up to the peanut butter porter.

For a legendary breakfast, Carol’s Prattville Café at Lake Almanor is right by the water and is a locals’ darling. Note: Carol’s is closed Sunday mornings, in preparation of her famous Sunday Fried Chicken Night (4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.).

Just outside the town of Chester, the historic St. Bernard Lodge is located within 15 minutes of the south entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park (the closest entrance to Bumpass Hell and other nearby hiking to lakes, as well as beautiful Lake Almanor and Pacific Crest Trail hikes). Rustic and charming, this B&B–style inn is surrounded by 10 acres and beautiful mountains.

Stroll the grounds and enjoy the creekside setting, make an in-house dinner reservation for a delicious home-style meal, and get fueled for a day in the great outdoors with their hearty breakfast choices (we liked the blueberry pancakes). Friendly staff offer plenty of advice on Lassen National Park and other adventures nearby, including things to do in Chester and around Lake Almanor.

Find more great places to stay in Plumas County. No dogs at Lassen Volcanic National Park.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In episode "56. The Secluded Sierra " Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their explorations of Plumas County and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Photo of the East Brother Light Station in the San Francisco Bay Area

    Oh, Brother!

    Spending the night on a tiny island in the Bay? Intriguing. Spending the night in a lighthouse perched on that island? Sound the foghorn! East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast sits on a small patch of land in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

    View
  2. Mill About Lakeside

    Bucks Lake Recreation Area near Quincy in Plumas County has plenty of beautiful hiking trails. For an easy hike with beautiful spots for sunning, swimming, and lounging on sand beaches or giant rock slabs, do the Mill Creek Trail.

    View
  3. Camping at Chewing Gum Lake Emigrant Wilderness

    High Sierra Lake Hop

    Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.

    View
  4. The Secret Big Blue

    Set at 4,500 feet, surrounded by 52 miles of shoreline, and with sparkling sapphire hue, Lake Almanor is the other big blue. The secret one. This huge lake—idyllic in spring through fall for all kinds of water adventures—is a gem of Plumas County where you can relax without crowds.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hot As (Bumpass) Hell

    So you like going to all the hot spots when you visit places? Well, in Lassen Volcanic National Park there’s a place so hot it gets downright steamy. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. It’s California’s Yellowstone.

    View
  2. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  3. Starcrossed Stairway?

    Built into the hillside next to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Heights delights with historic homes, steep and narrow (mostly carless) streets, and enchanting city views. Best of all, it features a network of walkways and staircases that makes it super fun to wander and explore.

    View
  4. Lunch at the Lakes

    Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.

    View