Lassen Volcanic itinerary

Here is how to spend one to three days in Lassen Volcanic, built from the hikes and activities the National Park Service lists and the time it says each takes. Short on time? Do Day 1. Times are for the activity itself; add time for driving, parking and shuttles between stops, and swap anything that is closed or out of season.

Day 1

About 3 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Start at Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center for maps, current trail conditions and ranger advice.

Morning

• Hike to Bumpass Hell (90 minutes). Hike the three-mile, round-trip trail to the largest hydrothermal area in the park. (best in summer, fall)

Afternoon

• Sledding & Snowplay in the Southwest Area (time not listed). The steep slopes behind the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center are a popular destination for sledders. (best in winter, spring)
• Hike to Kings Creek Falls (90 minutes). The Kings Creek Falls trail leads to a large roaring waterfall draped in ferns and other green plants which thrive off the mist generated by the falls. (best in summer, fall)
• Snowshoe a Winter Route (time not listed). Enjoy Lassen’s winter wonderland by snowshoe! (best in winter, spring)

Day 2

About 5 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

• Hike Lassen Peak (4 to 5 hours). Hiking Lassen Peak (best in summer, fall)

Afternoon

• Ski & Snowboard at Lassen (time not listed). Enjoy Lassen’s winter wonderland by ski or snowboard! (best in winter, spring)
• Hike Reflection Lake Loop (15 to 30 minutes). A short and relatively flat walk offers views of Lassen Peak and Chaos Crags volcanoes, often seen reflecting in the water. (best in spring, summer, fall)

Day 3

About 2 hours of listed activity time, plus stops with no listed time.

Morning

• Walk Manzanita Lake Trail (30 to 90 minutes). Manzanita Lake Trail is an easy, mostly flat walk suitable for families with young children.

Afternoon

• Sledding & Snowplay in the Manzanita Lake Area (time not listed). Sled a wintery slope, build a snowman, or otherwise enjoy Lassen's winter wonderland at the Manzanita Lake area. (best in winter, spring)
• Drive Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway (60 minutes). The 30-mile park highway connects the northwest (Manzanita Lake) and southwest entrances of the park. (best in summer, fall)
• Visit Sulphur Works (10 minutes). This steamy spot is accessible via a short walk along Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway.

Make it work

• When to go: June and August to October. See the best time to visit.
• Where to stay: 10 campgrounds and 1 lodge in the park; see camping and lodging.
• Before you go: check today’s alerts and read know before you go. More ideas: all things to do.

Sources

• National Park Service: things to do in Lassen Volcanic National Park (Data API, public domain)

Last checked 1 November 2026.