State Parks and National Parks

Lassen Volcanic National Park

A volcanic eruption created Lassen Peak 27,000 years ago, but its 20th-century activity has attracted the most attention.

In May 1914, Lassen Peak erupted and explosions occurred at intervals for the next seven years. The climax took place in May 1915 when the peak blew an enormous mushroom cloud six miles into the air.

The area was designated a national park in 1916. The last eruption occurred in 1921.

The park has boiling springs, bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, jagged craters, glaciated canyons, lakes, streams, forests and wildflower-filled meadows.

Rangers lead interpretive programs during summer.

There are hiking trails to the boiling springs at Bumpass Hell, to 30-foot Kings Creek Falls and to glacier-carved meadows.

Lassen's backcountry contains 150 miles of hiking trails, including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and Nobles Emigrant Trail. Free permits are required for wilderness camping.

The park also has eight developed campgrounds.

Rock climbing is limited and not recommended due to the instability of volcanic rock.

Roads are accessible from mid-June through mid-October.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service. Courtesy of National Park Service.