Trail Overview
The Bumpass Hell Trail is a 3-mile round-trip hike open only during the summer and fall. It is considered an easy to moderate hike and popular with hikers of all ages. The trail leads to the park’s largest hydrothermal area and offers limited shade, so hikers are advised to wear hats and bring water. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead but not on the trail or the basin.
Bumpass Hell is named after Kendall Vanhook Bumpass, who severely burned his leg in 1865 when showing his mining claim to a reporter. It covers 16 acres and is the largest geothermal area west of Yellowstone.
Please check ahead of time if the trail will be open. Depending on snow conditions, this trail does not open until June and has been as late as August before opening.
Parking and Crowds
Parking for this popular trail is limited and fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they get a spot.
Safety
Hydrothermal areas can be dangerous, and visitors must stay on designated trails and boardwalks. The ground may look solid, but it could be a thin crust covering boiling water or mud. Visitors should never touch or enter hydrothermal water, as it can cause severe burns and damage to skin and lungs. Children should be closely supervised, and visitors should set a good example by staying on trails and reminding others of the risks.
Other Geothermal Areas in Lassen
Lassen Volcanic National Park has several geothermal areas within its boundaries. Other notable areas are Sulphur Works, Cold Boiling Lake, Devils Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Terminal Geyers.
For more information on Lassen’s geothermal activity, visit “Inner workings of the Lassen hydrothermal system.”
