Volcanic Activity

Hike Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

07.23.2025

Northern California is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the country: Lassen Volcanic National Park. The region features geothermal areas, including the largest dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Hike to the top of this active volcano on a 5-mile out-and-back.

From the main parking lot, head north on the Lassen Peak Trail. Hikers begin their journey at an elevation of 8,500 feet, gaining another two-thousand feet to reach the summit. While the route ahead is steep, continuous switchbacks provide some relief, and hikers of all ages can be spotted trekking the route. 

The lower trail is currently (July 2025) dotted with long patches of snow, and early-season climbers may want to have microspikes handy. Or wait until later in the summer for more melt.  Informational placards can be found along the trail, teaching visitors about local flora and fauna, and how Lassen Peak was formed 27,000 years ago.

Just above 9,000 feet, the switchbacks grow steeper, and some rocky sections have stairs to ease the climb. Stop to catch your breath and enjoy the fantastic view to the south: Mount Helen rising over its cerulean namesake lake, while Eagle Peak is visible to the west. 

At 10,000 feet, lucky hikers will catch sight of the California Tortoiseshell migration. These orange butterflies travel between the foothills and upper elevations of the Cascades and Sierras. During the summer months, Lassen visitors can hike alongside thousands of butterflies as they approach the summit.

As the steep switchbacks finally level out, hikers will catch a glimpse of the final obstacle: the rocky, castle-like summit. Watch your footing on the loose scree as you ascend to the large boulders at the very top. From the vantage of 10,457 feet, soak up those summit views—from snow-capped Mount Shasta to the north to the many volcanic peaks to the south—offshoots of the ancient Mount Tehama volcano that formed this region.

Retrace the route back to the parking lot.

The Lassen Peak Trailhead can be found on the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway in Mill Creek, CA. Map. The entry booth is not always staffed, so day passes ($10-$30) can be purchased online at nps.gov/lavo. No dogs or bikes on the Lassen Peak Trail.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner

 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View