Things to See and Do

Lassen Volcanic National Park

The peak is at the southernmost end of the Cascade range, which extends from here to Canada. The western part of the park features lava pinnacles and volcanoes, while the eastern part features small cinder cones, forested with conifers and studded with small lakes.  created by lava flows, while the eastern part features small cinder cones, forested with conifers and studded with small lakes.

Just a short 30-minute drive from the Chester and Lake Almanor area, the park is a great day trip. Observe the hydrothermal activity along the road, or take short hikes and strolls through some of the most pristine, untouched wilderness in the country.

In fall of 2008, the park added the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, located at the park's southwest entrance. The name means "snowy mountain" in the Native American language of the Mountain Maidu tribe and is their name for Lassen Peak.

Hiking trails take visitors through a hydrothermal area called Bumpass Hell, and through the Devastated Area which exhibits remarkable recovery since Lassen's last eruption in 1921. For a longer trek, visitors can climb to the top of Lassen Peak (elevation 10,475), on a five-mile, three to five-hour journey that climbs 2,000 feet.

Be sure to pick up a map at either park entrance and consider exploring the listed trails. These walks are a great way to see just a few of the 700 species of plants and wildlife in the park. In addition to the landscapes, there are breathtaking views of the entire Almanor Basin, and on a clear day you can see Mount Shasta from Lassen Peak.

The park also offers talks and evening programs in summer.

During the winter, park rangers lead snowshoe walks that enable visitors to explore the beauty of the park year-round.

There is a fee of $10 per vehicle to enter Lassen Volcanic National Park. The park road (which connects with Highway 89 north and south of the park) covers 30 miles and it takes approximately an hour to drive. The best time to visit the park for car touring or hiking is July through September. The road may be closed from late October to mid-June due to snow, but there is parking and access to the area at both the north and south entrances. 
Campground fees are $10 - $18 and are available both by reservation and first-come, first-served. To reserve, call 1-877-444-6777 or click here to reserve online.
 
Lodging options within the park include Drakesbad Guest ranch in the Warner Valley, at the parks southeast end, and new camping cabins at Manzanita Lake near the park's northeast entrance.  Reserve at www.lassenrecreation.com.

Chester, located a half-hour east of the southern entrance to the park, is the nearest full-service town, offering complete visitor services including lodging, camping, dining and shopping.