Hidden Gem
Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Trip length
- 2–3 days
- Budget
- $200–$700
- per person · excl. airfare
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
HikingBackpacking
Park entrance: $30 (Entrance - Private Vehicle) · source: NPS
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Jagged peaks tell the story of its eruptive past while hot water continues to shape the land.
Highlights
- All four volcano types
- Bubbling mudpots & fumaroles
- Alpine lakes
Photos
Photos via Wikimedia Commons under their respective licences.
Map
Trails (5)· Moderate
- View →Bear Lakes TrailRepresentative5.1 mi348 ft gainModerate~1.9 h
- View →Pacific Crest TrailRepresentative4.6 mi906 ft gainModerate~2 h
- View →Nobles-Emigrant TrailRepresentative4.2 mi492 ft gainModerate~1.6 h
- View →Echo Lake/Twin Lakes TrailRepresentative3.5 mi696 ft gainModerate~1.5 h
- View →Kelly Camp TrailRepresentative3.5 mi1,148 ft gainModerate~1.7 h
Getting there
- RNO Reno-Tahoe Intl · 111 mi
- SMF Sacramento Intl · 125 mi
- ACV California Redwood Coast (Arcata) · 145 mi
Straight-line distances to nearby airports. Airfare and drive times are not included.
Permits & access
Reservation required
Wilderness permit for overnight — confirm current rules on the official site.
Official permit & conditions ↗Last verified 7/24/2026