Part of our Lassen Volcano Country special feature. Some Lassen hikes are often closed due to winter weather, so check out the conditions before you go by following links shown below.
Four hours north east of San Francisco and an hour from the nearest interstate highway, the phrase "off the beaten track" could've been coined for Lassen Volcanic National Park. Overlooked by locals and visitors alike the place is something of a treasured secret to those in the know, and should you choose to visit you’ll find tranquil surroundings even on the busiest holiday weekends.
The tranquility of the park belies its true violent nature, however. Situated at the southern-most point on the Cascade Range evidence of volcanic activity is everywhere in this park, including examples of all four types of volcano (plug dome, shield, cinder cone and stratovolcano).
The most prominent landmark in the park at 10,457 feet above sea level is Lassen Peak, also recently the most explosive landmark, when in 1915 witnesses observed explosive eruptions from the summit which cast volcanic ash up to 200 miles away.
Hikers are spoiled for choice in Lassen Volcanic National Park, with 150 miles of great trails throughout the region. To date we've tackled five separate trails covering five entirely different experiences, from climbing a cinder cone and scaling Lassen Peak to descending into pitch-black lava tubes.
Snow covers the Lassen landscape for much of the year and some roads and trails may not be open until late summer, including the main road through the park. Check these links to the National Park Service website to find updated information on road closures and trail closures
Lassen Volcanic National Park requires a fee on entry and all hikes except Subway Caves are located within the park. Subway Caves is free.
Tangents:
- NPS website: Lassen Volcanic National Park
- NPS website: Online maps for download
- Buy "75 Hikes in Lassen & Mt. Shasta Regions" by John Soares
- Buy Wilderness Press' Lassen Topo Map
